Although the longbow is best known for its deployment during the Hundred Years' War, its origins lie with ancient Saxon seafighters and Welsh craftsmen, while today the bow is a vibrant part of the traditional archery scene. In The Crooked Stick: A History of the Longbow, historian Hugh D. H. Soar pulls together all of these strings, presenting the engaging story of this most charismatic stand-off weapon. After a careful consideration of Neolithic bows and arrows, the author then describes the bow's use in the medieval hunt and its associated customs. The longbow made its deepest mark in warfare, however, and the author follows the weapon's development and tactical deployment, from the hand-bow of William the Conqueror's campaigns to the continental setpiece battles between England and France. Although the longbow gave way reluctantly to firearms, its recreational use became immensely popular, particularly during the Regency and Victorian periods. In the twentieth century it appeared as if the longbow would disappear into the fog of legend, but a new interest in traditional craft and expertise gained hold, and the pleasure of using this ancient instrument is now firmly part of archery around the world. Through a remarkable command of manuscript and printed sources and a judicious use of material evidence, including his own important collection of rare longbows, Hugh Soar establishes the deep connections of this bow to England, Scotland, and Wales. Figures in the past, William Wallace, Edward III, and Henry V appear alongside detailed descriptions of bows, strings, arrows, and arrowheads, while the rise of institutions and craftsmen devoted to the longbow are presented to show how knowledge of this weapon was carried forward across the centuries. Today, those in the sport of archery and military historians will find that The Crooked Stick will enhance their own interests in a weapon of legendary status
(ISBN: 1-59416-002-3)

Many archers and bowhunters will be surprised to learn that a wooden bow, whose ancestry dates back thousands of years, will shoot an arrow as fast and effectively as the most modern fiberglass-laminated bows. Never before have such detailed instructions been available for home craftsman, with information on how to make fine bows and arrows from natural materials. The authors thoroughly explain every facet of the process, from choosing wood to applying finishes, making construction easy even for the first-time bowyer.

With combined experience totaling over a century, the authors have constructed over thousands of bows. Now they reveal their secrets and techniques in "The Traditional Bowyer's Bible" series, three essential volumes filled with history, humour, and practical advice - invaluable information for anyone interested in the age-old lure of archery.

Volume One of this three-volume set introduces the traditional bow, seasoning and cutting wood, bow design and performance, finishes and handles, and much more.
(ISBN: 1-58574-085-3)

Many archers and bowhunters will be surprised to learn that a wooden bow, whose ancestry dates back thousands of years, will shoot an arrow as fast and effectively as the most modern fiberglass-laminated bows. Never before have such detailed instructions been available for home craftsman, with information on how to make fine bows and arrows from natural materials. The authors thoroughly explain every facet of the process, from choosing wood to applying finishes, making construction easy even for the first-time bowyer.

With combined experience totaling over a century, the authors have constructed over thousands of bows. Now they reveal their secrets and techniques in "The Traditional Bowyer's Bible" series, three essential volumes filled with history, humour, and practical advice - invaluable information for anyone interested in the age-old lure of archery.

Volume Two covers ancient European bows, Eastern Woodland bows, recurves, strings, steel points, quivers, and much more.
(ISBN: 1-58574-086-1)

Many archers and bowhunters will be surprised to learn that a wooden bow, whose ancestry dates back thousands of years, will shoot an arrow as fast and effectively as the most modern fiberglass-laminated bows. Never before have such detailed instructions been available for home craftsman, with information on how to make fine bows and arrows from natural materials. The authors thoroughly explain every facet of the process, from choosing wood to applying finishes, making construction easy even for the first-time bowyer.

With combined experience totaling over a century, the authors have constructed over thousands of bows. Now they reveal their secrets and techniques in "The Traditional Bowyer's Bible" series, three essential volumes filled with history, humour, and practical advice - invaluable information for anyone interested in the age-old lure of archery.

Volume Three covers tools, Korean and African archery, bows of the Plains Indians, custom shafts, stone points, and much more.
(ISBN: 1-58574-087-X)