Dwight Zimmerman's The Book of Weapons is a sequel to the award-winning text, The Book of War. This time Zimmerman examines the "tools of war through the ages." Regardless of whether you're a fan of military history, you'll enjoy this book.

I was immediately struck by the variety of topics. Organized chronologically, the book begins with subjects such as knife, spear, boomerang, and bow. Key people are introduced such as Achimedes, Alfred Nobel, and John Moses Browning. From early biological warfare and propaganda to herbicides and suicide bombers, the book covers a wide range of other interesting tools. The descriptions of animals as tools of war was particularly fascinating. I knew about dogs and horses, but wasn't aware of the role of pigs and sea lions. These are the types of stories that attract young readers.

Although designed for a general audience, the book would be particularly effective with young readers interested in military history. Using a two-page layout, each topic includes a description and associated visual. The concise, topical overviews draw in readers and are likely to stimulate thinking and additional inquiry by readers of all ages.

Whether you're a fan of military history or just want to broaden your general knowledge of history, I encourage you to seek out this engaging examination of tools of war through the ages. ( )