Summary of The Gunpowder Age

The Gunpowder Age, written by Professor Tonio Andrade of Emory University, offers an in-depth examination of the history of gunpowder across the world from 1000 to 1800 AD. The book first looks at the many origins of firearms and gunpowder, how it spread across various continents, and the various ways in which firearms shaped the global political landscape. From there, Professor Andrade goes on to explain the different types of firearms and their uses in warfare, as well as their varying costs and advantages. He further considers how gunpowder and firearms affected the international economy, as well as its role in reshaping the political balance of power. Lastly, he talks about the overall political, economic, and social consequences of the gunpowder age, and how those changes outlived the period itself. The Gunpowder Age is an informative and comprehensive account of the history and development of firearms around the world.