It's been nearly 40 years since the last time I wrote a book report, but here goes. [8D]
A friend gave me a copy of a very good book entitled
The Crossbow By Sir Ralph Payne-Gallowey, The Holland Press, London.
The book is subtitled "Midiaeval and Modern, Military and Sporting". Sub-subtitled "It's Construction, History and Management."
It deals pretty much exclusively with the crossbow's military and sporting history in Europe. There's not much included about Asian or Middle Eastern types, although there are some fairly good mechanical illustrations of the Chinese repeating crossbow. Yep, an autoloading crossbow that's been around for hundreds of years.
Published in 1903, so the part dealing with 'modern' crossbows is obviously over a century old. It's dated but it's an excellent look back. It was in it's 10th printing in 1995, so it might not be too hard to find a copy, if you're inclined toward digging into the history of the sport. It's by far the best book on crossbows I've ever seen.
Also got a treatise on the ballista and catapult for those who might want to do a little building and have a couple pieces of ancient artillery in their back yard. You know... to keep the neighbors honest.
Book Report
