Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)After I purchased this book, I realized that I had already read two others by this same author - both excellent. This set my expectations for the present book; I was not disappointed. In this splendid work, the author discusses the science of ballistics over the ages - from throwing rocks in pre-historic times to the latest in weapons technology. One thing that is made crystal clear in this book is that there is more to projectile delivery than one might think. The author has covered the physics of ballistics in three main sections: the launching of a projectile, the flight of the projectile and the interaction of the projectile with the intended target. The main body of the text is loaded with information as well as detailed explanations of the many physical principles involved. It is also well illustrated with plenty of graphs, tables, diagrams and photos. For those who are mathematically inclined, the author has included a set of 22 technical notes at the end of the main text; these give the interested reader more insight into the physics and mathematics of what is happening.
Overall, I found the information presented to be quite fascinating - even, at times, surprising. Although the explanations were generally clear, a few were a bit heavy going for me and slowed me down. I found the mathematical details in the technical notes to be quite useful. Most of the formula derivations in those notes were clear, some were more challenging to varying degrees, while others were simply presented without derivation (usually, the author asserts, because their derivations would be too lengthy and beyond the scope of the book).
The author writes clearly and authoritatively. His style is quite engaging, lively and often witty. This is a book that would likely be most appreciated by science buffs or any reader who is seriously interested in the science of ballistics, including those taking a course on this subject.
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The science of ballistics has a long history and starts with one question: How does a projectile move through the air? Even before physicists worked that one out, military engineers had been tinkering with ballistic devices for centuries. The trebuchet of the Middle Ages has given way to rocket power, and the science of ballistics has evolved to match the technology. Mark Denny's survey covers this dynamic subject from prehistory to the weapons of tomorrow.Taking the bang-whiz-thud approach, Denny first talks about internal ballistics -- Bang! -- from before gunpowder to the development of modern firearms. External ballistics -- Whiz! -- are next, with discussions about short- and long-range trajectories. Denny's lesson ends with a Thud! -- an explanation of terminal ballistics. Throughout, Denny conveys applicable physics principles in a way that will appeal to technology buffs and ballistics enthusiasts alike. His fun and factual explanations are free of complicated equations; notes cover the key aspects of ballistics physics for the more technically inclined. Denny has perfected this engaging balance of science and story. For study or hobby,Their Arrows Will Darken the Sun is an entertaining guide to the world of ballistics. Praise for Mark Denny"For a scientist, Denny's approach is delightfully down to earth." --The Age"Denny's writing is anything but dry and boring. He adeptly explains complex subject matter and does so with relatively simple language and minimal use of symbolic notation." --Bat Research News
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