Table of Contents

Introduction /Development: Forging a legend /Use: Facing the test of battle /Impact: The right arm of the German soldier /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

Promotional Information

For nearly 50 years from 1898 the bolt-action rifles produced by Germany’s Mauser company played a central role in infantry combat, in the hands of combatants as diverse as the South African Boers, the German armed forces during the world wars and snipers in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. Popular among collectors and central to an understanding of small-unit tactics in the 20th century, the iconic Mauser family of rifles has its story told in detail here, supported by specially commissioned full-colour artwork, gripping first-hand accounts and expert analysis.

About the Author

Neil Grant studied archaeology at Reading University, and now works for English Heritage. His interests include firearms, medieval edged weapons and Classical and medieval horsemanship. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. Peter created the battlescene artwork for this volume. Born in Malaya in 1949, Alan Gilliland studied photography/film and architecture, and has worked as a photojournalist and cartoonist. He also spent 18 years as the graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph, winning 19 awards in that time, including numerous UK Press Awards. He now writes, illustrates and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com), as well as illustrating for a variety of publishers (www.alangilliland.com). Alan completed the cutaway illustration for this book. Born in Malaya in 1949, Alan Gilliland studied photography/film and architecture, and has worked as a photojournalist and cartoonist. He also spent 18 years as the graphics editor of The Daily Telegraph, winning 19 awards in that time, including numerous UK Press Awards. He now writes, illustrates and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com), as well as illustrating for a variety of publishers (including Osprey, the Penguin Group, Brown Reference Group, Ivy Group and Aurum), architects and developers, such as John McAslan (Olympic Energy Centre) and Kit Martin (Prince Charles' Phoenix Trust advisor on historic buildings). www.alangilliland.com