Backyard Ballistics by William Gurstelle (2001, Paperback, Illustrated)

The book is pretty basic. You can find just about anything in the book on the internet. I wouldn't buy it.

This is the ultimate book for boys! It includes complete instructions for all kinds of projects; Potato cannons, catapults, rocketry and crossbows to name a few! (Safety practices too)
This book is really more than just the boys handbook to life's adventures, It is a hands on history book!
We are a homeschooling family of 5 children and I know first hand unless you bring history to life children never have a true understanding and appreciation for past times and events. This book beats any boring textbook anyday! Say for instance, yau are studying the Roman empire in 50 B.C. You can show you kids some pictures and a paragraph or two about the Roman Empires defenses and attacks with catapults, which they may say 'Oh thats neat" and then never think about it outside of a 2-demential view. Or- you can open the world in 3-D color (if you will) to building a catapult and firing water balloons at the enemy! This I can tell you will make a lasting impression on thier minds. And you never know how the skills an understanding they gained while building the contraption will be out to use in their future.
An added bonus to this book is that their are short biography style writings about different influential charters in history.
I can honestly say I would recommend this book to anybody!

If you're looking for a straight forward no frills book of plans, you've found the right item. Williams books cover the basics, and are easy to follow. You never need to find exotic materials, and the most complicated piece of machinery you'll ever need is a hacksaw. It's a good book for simple project builds.

My son loves the book. He is an adventuresome spirit and all boy. Great for kids to use their minds and talents as well as learn some math and science!

Great for Kids!! The compostion of the book and the detai in how to build each different armament is excellent. It also gives fullexplanations and backgrounds. An excellent form of lternative education.