The forts built
from the early seventeenth century onwards, the ships that defended
Macau's waters, the weapons that armed the
facilities and the soldiers and sailors who manned them all are carefully
detailed in The Defences of Macau. These forts, cannon and small arms were a
familiar part of society for hundreds of years, and a significant part of
Macau's heritage. Macau is fortunate in having so many artefacts remaining,
but very little research has been done on them. Richard Garrett, a retired civil
engineer and an expert in antique weapons, addresses this gap by identifying
many rare and unique weapons. More than 200 illustrations, many in colour, serve
as a visual record of what has survived. Some of the forts are included among
Macau's World Heritage sites. Many visitors and
those interested in the history of the region will be interested in these forts
and arms that remain in relative abundance in Macau. The book will also appeal to those scholars
specialising in military and arms history.
