Not everyone who takes an interest in catapults will eventually attempt to rebuild one of these ancient machines, much less strive to set modern catapulting records. It takes an individual who is both driven by a unique determination and able to withstand the pessimism of those not similarly inclined. Perhaps it is true that only strangely inspired people would take on such a project. Unfashionable though their interest may be, those who involve themselves with a catapult invariably find within themselves the enthusiasm, lit by a private spark of wonder, to participate meaningfully in the work. Almost at once and without planning, the task draws participants into a mature collaboration many have never known before. Here is a project that teaches one how to learn-- not to parrot, but to generate knowledge. Catapultors discover that they are collecting real information concerning a phenomenon about which very few people in the world know anything. An experienced catapultor becomes one of the world's few living experts on workable catapult design and construction.

If you thought the modern sport of hurling began with Punkin Chunkin®, you might want to read this book! Remember the 1960's? The Vietnam war and flower power were getting all the attention, so you might have missed the NATIONAL CATAPULT COMPETITIONS that occured between 1966 and 1978.

That competition was all but forgotten, until I happened to find a book that was written by its organizer, Dr. Bernard F. Barcio. Barcio was a Latin professor in the 1960s and 70s, and he organized the largest competition of catapults in modern times.

This book is all about that competition and the catapults, the results and records, winners and runners-up. But the book was out of print, and I had one of only two copies known to exist. This book is far too important to the art of hurling to allow it to dissapear into oblivion, so I negotiated a deal with Dr. Barcio to re-publish that book again!

Catapult Design, Construction and Competition is a truly unique book that describes all types of catapults, including tension bow powered machines, ballistae, onagers and mangonels, and of course, trebuchets! There are a multitude of photographs, including some truly large machines that can hurl 100 lb. missiles! But there's more than just pictures. Schematics are included for four of the record setting machines, and detailed descriptions of their construction too.

By special arrangement, we are able to offer this book in electronic PDF format at a great low price.

This book also includes the results of those early competitions, and the rules and regulations for holding your own competitions. Including the definition of what is a catapult, safety, classes and categories of machines, judging, registering results, and lots of other details. The original book is out of print and only two copies are known to exist- mine, and Dr. Barcio's. This electronic version is the complete book with every page, photograph and illustration included. And right here is the only place in the world you can get it. We've done our best to preserve the book as much as possible, and your purchase will help us to continue our research and promotion of the art and the sport of hurling.

BUY IT!

Only $14.95

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Sample Pages:

(These images have been reduced to save space. The downloaded version will be full-sized.)

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