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The Art of the Catapult
The Art of the Catapult

The Art of the Catapult

Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

<div>10 & up<br></div>

JUVENILE NONFICTION

192 Pages, 7 x 9.75

Trade Paper, $16.95 (US $16.95) (CA $18.95)

Publication Date: July 2004

ISBN 9781556525261

Rights: WOR X UK

Chicago Review Press (Jul 2004)

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Overview

Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey—ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Building these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle.

Author Biography

William Gurstelle is the author of the bestselling Backyard Ballistics and Building Bots. He is a professional engineer who has been researching and building model catapults and ballistic devices for more than 30 years. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.