Hank, I could well be wrong. I read this book 40 years ago, as a teen. My dad had it. I read Jack O'Connor's book about "The Rifle" or whatever it was called about the same time. I thought it was the 1890's, and these two guys basically used the equivalent of an old English Warbow. I do distinctly remember one was 200lbs draw and one was 180lbs draw. Next time I go to my parent's house I'll see if Dad still has that book. I've heard of Howard Hill, and I think I actually have a DVD somewhere of "Tembo" and yes, the video is horrible, but it's neat. I think I'd prefer a ballista