Science and Civilisation in China, Part 6, Military Technology: Missiles and Sieges
Joseph Needham author Robin D S Yates author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:9th Mar '95
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
The first volume of the three parts of Science and Civilisation in China deals with the art of war in ancient and medieval China.
Volume V Part 6 is the first of the three parts of Science and Civilisation in China which deal with the art of war in ancient and medieval China. Four sections follow the introduction: on the simple bow; on the cross-bow, standard weapon of the Han armies; and on pre-gunpowder artillery, including the invention of the trebuchet.Science and Civilisation in China Volume V Part 6 is the first of the three parts dealing with the arts of war in ancient and medieval China. The present volume opens with an introduction on Chinese attitudes to warfare in general. Four major sections follow: on the making and use of simple bows; on the crossbow, the standard weapon of the Han armies, and its introduction to the Western world; on the pre-gunpowder forms of artillery, including the invention of the trebuchet; and on the art of siege warfare in which the Mohists were particularly interested. There is a good deal of material on siege-warfare available, and this final section is a substantial one, covering all aspects in detail.
'For this immense and astonishing work of erudition no praise can be too high … we have a volume authoritative, fascinating and illuminating … of contemporary Eastern and Western progress in the sciences.' W. M. Smart, Nature
'… one of the great European contributions to the understanding both of the sweep of Chinese civilisation and of its contributions to Western scientific society'. New Scientist 'Needham and his distinguished collaborators deserve unqualified praise for their labours, extending over many years …'. A. R. Michaelis, Interdisciplinary Science Reviews
'Perhaps the greatest single act of historical synthesis and intercultural communication ever attempted by one man.' Laurence Picken, The Guardian ' … a unique work of scholarship unequalled by any other in this century.' Alan Cameron, Lloyd's List
'… it is very exciting'. The Times Literary Supplement 'The present text can hardly fail to intrigue anyone hooked on 'war books', weaponry, military tactics and strategy, siege warfare and the like.' Lloyd's List
'What can be said about this extraordinary work? In tracing the chronicles of Chinese development, Needham holds up the mirror to our own world, informs us of possibilities we never considered, or options of which we have only just become aware. No-one did more than Joseph Needham to open our eyes to the wonders of Chinese civilisation.' Ken Coates MEP, Full Employment: A European Appeal
ISBN: 9780521327275
Dimensions: 255mm x 199mm x 43mm
Weight: 1642g
620 pages