An illustrated history of the weapons of World War One : a comprehensive chronological directory of the military weapons used in World War One, from field artillery and machine guns to the rise of U

This is a comprehensive chronological directory of the military weapons used in World War One, from field artillery and machine guns to the rise of U-boats and allied submarines.

This title is illustrated throughout with over 180 compelling photographs in black and white, and colour.

It is divided into three sections on the Army, Air Force and Navy, the book covers all the most successful weapons used in the Great War, from guns and tanks to heavy bombers and torpedo boats.

It features key specifications for every weapon, such as type, crew, calibre, rate of fire, weight, ammunition, range and speed.

World War One was a global military conflict. The loss of life was unequalled, with some 8 million solders and more than 6 million civilians dying during four years of stagnant trench warfare and in failed attacks.

It was the first time that many of the military technologies we now take for granted were seen, including aircraft, submarines and tanks.

Yet, these were overshadowed by more established weapons such as machine guns, and artillery, the most lethal weapon of all.

This visual encyclopedia looks at the key weapons used during the Great War. Each is listed chronologically within sections on the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Each weapon features a brief history with a description on how it was used and key specifications, such as calibre, magazine, system, length, weight and muzzle velocity.

From rifles, the main weapon used by British infantry men, to machine guns which needed four to six men to work them, and from tanks which were used for the first time during the battle of Somme to the new torpedo-boats whose main targets were the older battleships and more modern dreadnoughts, this is a detailed and fascinating guide.

Illustrated with more than 180 evocative contemporary photographs, the book will offer new insights for both general and specialist readers.