Firearms of the Islamic World: in the Tared Rajab Museum, Kuwait

I was fortunate enough to visit the Tareq Rajab Museum when I was last in Kuwait and saw most of the weapons in this book. Robert Elgood does an excellent job of putting these gunpowder guns in their historical perspective, especially as it divides the guns into various points of origin. The photographs of the weapons (augmented by various illustrations) really show how these firearms are works of art.

As a lifelong researcher on historic antique arms and armour, I believe my earliest interests were brought about in my youth watching the thrilling adventure movies which were centered in exotic places and made from the Golden Age of Hollywood into the years of the classic stars. While these were extensions of the also classic literature on which they were based, the romanticism and excitement led to the deepest desire to learn more about these mysterious places and what the people in them were really like.This book reflects the tenacious scholarship that has become the hallmark of its author, Dr. Robert Elgood, and presents itself beautifully to both serious scholars of these fascinating arms, as well as to the world of armchair adventurers, to which I proudly claim myself included.It presents the breathtaking weapons of the Taraq Rajeb Museum in Kuwait, which are included throughout the deftly crafted text which is a fact filled narrative of pure adventure through these exciting times. The weapons themselves are noted briefly on the pages, but expertly described in detail at the back of the book. Here also is a superb bibliography which presents the reader with a myriad of intriguing titles to pursue these subjects further, and best of all, what I regard as the treasure chest!! the footnotes.......fantastic!

I am slightly confused by the one poor review, as the reader had issues with the lack of engraving reference(?) This book has nothing to do with engraving, and is a very well written and researched study on oriental firearms, as stated in the title. And as such, it excels in every way. Whilst European arms have been covered in many publications, the East is a subject with little known reference. The author has delved deep into historical research and provided a great overview of the Arab world, with good images and copious reference notes. In the 15 years since it was first published, this still remains a seminal study and essential for any library on the subject of arms.

after 20 minutes of clicking 'surprise me' I saw 2 engravings, neither of which was particularly inspired, and in squinting at the text, it was an unilluminating discourse on the obvious. The cover does the book a disservice since it depicts what SHOULD be seen but, alas, isn't. For this price, think of what you could purchase from Dover design books! Alas an a-sigh I've waited years for such a book to come out, and what I see are museum pieces scattered periodically between pages upon pages of words. If you want a history of firearms, this may be for you, if you are interested in ENGRAVING FIREARMS - this book simply sucks. Period.

I completely agree with all previous 5-star reviews. However, the judgment of a person who rated this book at anything less than 5-star must have been seriously impaired. This is a terrific book by one of the best subject matter experts and most prominent arms author. It most certainly deserves a FIVE STAR rating. I recommend it not only to firearms collectors, but to any collector or scholar or Islamic Arms as well as Islamic Arts. A must-have reference - this book is a must for the library.

I believe that collecting and study of Oriental arms is absolutely senseless without historical and cultural background. From this point of view this book is a perfect blend between wonderful illustrations and very informative text, which can be provided only by the real specialist in the field. This book, for sure, will be the invaluable source of information for everybody interested in Islamic history, culture, arts and, of course, arms. Highly recommended!

I bought this book some time ago even though I'm more into swords than firearms. FOR SURE I do not regret this buy! Many decorations, engravings etc are common for swords, daggers and firearms from the same region or culture and sometimes it is easier to make research on some particular example having more material for comparison. So... any collector of islamic/oriental arms MUST have it on the shelf.

A MUST HAVE FOR ISLAMIC FIREARMS COLLECTOR.Reading this book you can understand the huge research that the writter has done.A lot of information and history about the development of the Islamic firearms.Also the pictures are of very good quality and they are great reference for the collectors.One of the best books for Islamic firearms if not the Best!!!A MUST HAVE!!!

I bought this book because I collect Indian matchlock guns, but I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information contained within. I advise anyone who collects guns to avail themselves of a copy as it clearly identifies the particular guns from the various regions of Europe to the East. Invaluable to auction hunters as well!

Beautifully presented, great images with accompanying explanatory text. A real treat.