Many historians argue that the possession and development of the longbow was one of the chief facors and foundations in the development of Britain as a leading military power. Certainly there is no dispute that English expertise in the longbow was a decisive factor in English victories in the 100 Years War with France such as Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. This book gives a clear accoout of archery from the invention of the bow - both longbow and crossbow - as a weapon of war and an instrument of hunting and sport. Illustrated with fine and detailed drawings and diagrams, the volume tells the interested reader all that needs to be known about bows and arrows.