Author: Joseph G. Bilby Published: 2006 Pages: 270 Joseph Bilby's "A Revolution in Arms" is considerably more than just a treatise upon repeating rifles used during the American Civil War. Rather, it is a careful study of how those weapons were used and how a coherent, although unofficial doctrine eveolved over time. It is a study that required extensive research into obscure primary sources because relevant contemporary official reports were essentially nonexistent. Therefore, "A Revolution in Arms" is a genuinely original contribution to the military history of the Civil War, exploring areas previously unknown and subject only to speculation. Mr. Bilby wisely does not claim too much importance for the firearms at the center of his book; he does not claim that they were a decisive factor in achieving Union victory, although he concludes that they probably shortened the effort.
While Henry and Spencer rifles (and carbines) together are the primary focus of "A Revolution in Arms" because of their relatively widespread use, the book does not neglect other repeaters such as the Colt Revolving Rifle and even delves to some extent into single-shot breechloaders. Nor is the Civil War employment of these arms presented in isolation; instead, a lengthy prewar context is provided and Mr. Bilby continues his narrative with a survey of the military use of repeating rifles in various foreign armies for the rest of the Nineteenth century.
|
