The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

My (7 year old) son got this book from the library and I thought it was for reference only. Once my son looked through it, he picked a project and wanted to make it. After some convincing (the argument that he needed to build a model for the cub scouts was really good) He built the balista. With a bit of help (I drilled the holes) he was able to do the rest by himself with supervision. It shoots drinking straws capped with cotton balls about 2 feet, and dowel reasonably farther.
Great book, clear diagrams, there was a misprint (a decimal was left out) but easy enough to figure out.

This book is not for engineers, but it does provide a good bit of history which was enjoyable. The drawings and instructions are average and are made for the average person. I did not buy this book with the intention of making any of the devices described within, but did buy it with the intention of knowing how exactly they all work. In that respect, this book was great!

Why would I want to go through the building of all these great weapons just to catapult some water balloons? PLEEAAAASE!!! Do you think Rome got to be Rome by doing just that? We can do better!

I always wanted to free the Genghis Khan inside me. And when I heard about this precious book containing everything you want to know about catapults, ballistas, trebuchets and onagers I knew I had to have it.

The construction of the catapult was pretty easy. It took me less than a week to build one (and if you think that a decent siege lasts for months, it is time well spent). Of course I did not lift a finger. My own troops did it. And the baby was gorgeous.

First we tried to catapult some dead goats but they did not go far. Then we tried several two ton rocks and the result was still disappointing. Finally I discovered what was wrong. You should never build the catapult in an apartment. Go outdoors. Get a house with a yard.

With that problem solved, let me tell you it was a sheer joy to use this magnificent weapon.

No need to say that after just a few tests involving some spies we caught recently, I was pretty confident to start invading my neighborhood. Although the book does not mention it, it is customary in these occasions to let "whoever you are about to destroy" have the opportunity to surrender peacefully and avoid one or two of the usual barbaric, shall I say... bureaucracies.

But don't let that hold you down. Just because you promise, it does not say you have to keep it. No dead will ever complain, right?

Right! So... so far, I destroyed several houses, killed most of my enemies and I haven't yet finished counting all the gold I pilled. My army already killed and raped (not in that order) nearly anything that moved and we're having a great time.

The onager, by the way, is a little difficult to "drive", specially if its contents are in flames. But after some practice any maniac can do it.

The trebuchet, sometimes, can be a nightmare to build and test. But, hey, that fortress isn't going anywhere, right (at least not in one piece). So why not give it a try, eh?

This book is recommended!

I'm now waiting for the second volume of this delightful collection "The Art of Nuclear Weapons: Build American B61 and B83, Russian RDS-7 and a British Violet Club".

This is a good book for people interested in learning about early ballistics, and for those who want to help them learn. While I was thinking about my son when I bought this, I have to admit that I've had a lot of fun with it so far.

The cover is a bit misleading and seems a bit skimpy but the book is well written and has lots of information, images, drawings, and projects. Just has some good basic information on the art of siege engines with a timeline and history of siege engines.
Just a nice blend of history, engineering, and actual projects. It's a nice way for kids to learn about catapults. The point is to not just read but to also do.