The book begins by tracing the origins of firearms in medieval China and their subsequent adoption in Europe. It progresses through key historical periods, such as the Industrial Revolution, to examine the development of rifling and cartridge ammunition. A dedicated section examines the impact of these technologies on major conflicts, from the Napoleonic Wars to the World Wars. This approach provides a detailed overview of key historical periods, military strategies, and technological principles relevant to understanding the development and influence of firearms.
What sets this book apart is its balanced approach, avoiding technological determinism while emphasizing the major role of firearms in shaping military history, and its incorporation of a global perspective. This makes Firearms Evolution valuable to military history enthusiasts, gun collectors, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and conflict.