"The First World War was a watershed in human history. Beginning in the European summer of 1914, the conflict reverberated around the world, destroying four empires and costing nearly ten million lives. The years of war also saw major advances in military strategy and tactics, which were reflected in the weapons used on the battlefield. Jonathan Ferguson, Lisa Traynor and Henry Yallop offer an extended introduction to the artillery and personal firearms of the Great War, with particular focus on icons such as the Maxim machine gun. They provide a unique insight into the material culture that not only brought about the horrors of the Somme, Passchendaele and Gallipoli but, arguably, provided the means to bring peace in 1918.0The book forms part of a series of introductions to aspects of the Royal Armouries' collection of arms and armour. Written by specialists in the field, they are packed full of fascinating information and stunning photography."--Back cover

The Death of the Sword12 -- Swords 15 -- Lances 22 -- Hitting the Target 24 -- Terminal effects 40 -- Bayonets and the attacking spirit 41 -- The Machine Gun 44 -- The Maxim machine gun 44 -- Machine gunners' armour 59 -- The 'Light' machine gun 61 -- Trench Warfare 68 -- Modern war, ancient weapons 69 -- Up close and dug in 80 -- Pistol power 86 -- Dawn of the Sniper 98 -- Innovation and Expreimentation 104 -- Automatic rifles 106 -- Anti-tank weapons 115 -- Body armour 118.