Jack Coggins' book is dedicated to the history of the development of military affairs of the great powers - the USA, Japan, China - as well as Mongolia, India, African peoples - the Ethiopians, the Zulus - from ancient times to the 20th century. The author focuses on the historical conditionality of the appearance of weapons: from the Mongolian bow and samurai sword to the American Spencer carbine, grenade launcher and intercontinental missile. Coggins identifies the most important stages in the evolution of the development of weapons in each country, which had a significant impact on the formation of tactical and strategic principles of warfare, says about the types of weapons and ammunition. The book is of interest to both specialists and a wide range of readers and is impressive in its breadth of review.