War Camel
How desert armies turned an animal into a weapon. Every piece of equipment — howdah, saddle, armor — illustrated in cross-section.
English Language
Each Page is Human-Drawn
The Codex of Military History: Weapons, Warriors, Strategy
The Codex is a 328+ pages hand-drawn encyclopedia of warfare by Ukrainian artists in a Da Vinci–inspired style, from ancient blades to the future of war.
Note:
USA, UK & Asia: In stock. Delivered in 3–8 business days.
All other locations: Pre-order. Your copy ships in the first wave when stock arrives at your local warehouse.
The Codex of Military History: Weapons, Warriors, Strategy
Sale price€104,95
Regular price€165,95
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The Codex of Military History: Weapons, Warriors, Strategy
Sale price€104,95
Regular price€165,95
17,500+
Copies delivered worldwide
$1M+
Raised on Kickstarter
5.0 ★★★★★
verified reviews
Inside The Codex of Military History
328 pages of hand-drawn military history.
This is not a book about glorifying war. It is a book about understanding it — illustrated by hand, page by page, by 12 Ukrainian artists who know what conflict costs.
In the tradition of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks — each spread shows not just how wars were fought, but why they were won. The weapons. The strategies. The commanders whose decisions changed the course of history.
All of it illustrated by hand, era by era.
✓ Verified Buyer
★★★★★
"I bought this for my father, a military history obsessive who owns every book on the subject. He called me an hour after it arrived. He had never seen anything like it. That is the highest compliment I can give.""
Daniel J .United States
Six eras. 900+ Illustrations. Illustrated Military history.
This is not a list of battles. It is a chain of consequences.
IEarly Weapons
The first stone, the first blade, the first organized kill. How survival pressure turned human hands into weapons — and weapons into civilization.
IIEmpires at War
Roman legions. Egyptian chariots. Spartan phalanxes. The commanders who built empires on discipline, engineering, and the willingness to march further than anyone before them.
IIIMedieval Warfare
Knights, castles, crossbows, and siegecraft. Not a dark age — a brutal laboratory where armor, architecture, and tactics evolved faster than almost any era before or since.
IVThe Gunpowder Age
The cannon ended the castle. The musket ended the knight. Napoleon rewrote the rules of every army in Europe. Roughly 400 years that made the modern world.
VModern Weaponry
Trenches. Tanks. Aircraft. The atomic bomb. The 20th century not as a calendar of wars, but as a cascade of inventions that made each one more devastating than the last.
VIWar of Tomorrow
Drones, AI, exoskeletons, and cyber warfare. Treated with the same historical seriousness as the crossbow — because in 100 years, it will be.
The Masters of War
Great commanders featured
In The Codex of Military History, we feature some of history's greatest military minds — leaders, strategists, and inventors whose decisions shaped the art of war and the fate of civilizations.
In The Codex of Military History, we've highlighted the commanders, strategists, and military inventors whose ideas changed how humanity fights — and how it survives:
- Julius Caesar — Roman general and statesman whose mastery of siegecraft, logistics, and psychological command built the greatest empire of the ancient world.
- Sun Tzu — Chinese strategist whose Art of War defined the principles of deception, terrain, and morale that still govern military thinking today.
- Genghis Khan — founder of the Mongol Empire whose cavalry tactics, mobility, and shock warfare conquered more land than any commander in history.
- Richard the Lionheart — English king renowned for his personal courage, battlefield leadership, and his role in the Crusades.
- Joan of Arc — French commander who proved that morale and conviction could turn the tide of a war no army expected to win.
- Napoleon Bonaparte — military genius who reinvented artillery, corps organization, and operational maneuver — and redrew the map of Europe.
- Winston Churchill — wartime leader whose strategic will, coalition diplomacy, and refusal to capitulate defined Allied resistance in the darkest years of WWII.
- Nikola Tesla — visionary inventor whose electrical innovations shaped both civilian infrastructure and speculative military technologies.
- ... and many others!
I was impressed with "The Codex". It has far exceeded my expectations. This is truly the best book in its genre I have ever encountered. My husband and I received it last week and were immediately captivated. We absolutely love everything about it—the content, the illustrations, and the wonderful sense of humor. You've done an amazing job, and we honestly couldn't believe how fantastic it is.
- Created by Ukrainian artists during wartime — people who understand what conflict truly costs.
- Illustrated in a Da Vinci-inspired medieval style across 328+ hand-drawn pages.
- Explore six eras of warfare — from the first blade to the future battlefield.
- Filled with deep historical insight, rare facts, and the stories history class never told.
- Perfect for lovers of military history, strategy, art, and the forces that shaped civilization.
- Delivered in a gift box with a protective slipcase — ready to give, built to keep.
€104,95€165,95
Built for the curious minds in your family
Built for the history lover — and whoever sits next to them
The Codex of Military History is the kind of book a father opens for himself and a son never wants to put down. Its hand-drawn spreads make the mechanics of warfare — the formations, the weapons, the commanders — immediate and visceral in a way no textbook ever achieves. Not a lesson. A conversation.
"I bought this for myself. My kid picked it up the evening it arrived and we spent two hours going through the WWII aviation chapter together. They had questions I couldn't answer. That almost never happens with a book."
What arrives
Everything included in the box
- Foil-stamped hardcover, 14 × 10 in. (25 × 35 cm), larger than A4
- Protective collector’s slipcase included
- Silver-gilded page edges
- 328+ pages on 160gsm archival uncoated paper
- Large-format book with 900+ hand-drawn illustrations
- Arrives gift-ready
Created in Ukraine during wartime
12 Ukrainian artists. Funded on Kickstarter in 2024.
Rebel Thinkers was founded by three friends from Ukraine, Vlad Khvyshchuk, Nazar Ozhho, and Danylo Ozhho, united by a love of history, art, and beautifully made books.
In early 2024, the team was deep into the creation of The Codex when heavy russian strikes hit civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. The 12 illustrators, support specialist, and co-founders, working across Kyiv, Lviv, and smaller cities, faced a difficult choice: stop the project or keep going.
They kept going.
Some relocated. Some lost electricity for days at a time and continued working by candlelight and natural light. In the end, the project raised $508,241 from 5,327 backers on Kickstarter.
Every page in this book exists because they chose to keep creating, even in wartime.
★★★★★
It is one of the few books I would like my grandchildren to inherit as an ageless classic. A clear display of Ukrainian craftsmanship and entrepreneurship that I hope continues to inspire future generations.
Ben G.✓ Verified Buyer
★★★★★
I would have rated it 6 out of 5 — but I'm limited to 5. Absolutely stunning. The book, the content, and the packaging are all incredible. From the moment you open the box to the first turn of a page.
Alec P.✓ Verified Buyer
Perfect gift
The Codex arrives gift-ready
For the history obsessive who already owns every book on the subject. For the strategy lover who wants to understand how the world actually works. For the curious mind who never got a satisfying answer about why civilizations rise and fall. Crafted to surprise, impress, and be kept for generations.
The illustrated history of warfare, weapons, and strategy.
Free 3-8 Days ShippingArrives Gift-Ready30-day Returns★★★★★ verified reviews
€104,95€165,95
FAQ
Is it genuinely informative, or mainly decorative?
Both by design, but informative first. Every illustration is created to explain — how the weapon worked, how the formation held, how the battle was won or lost. You can spend five minutes on a single spread or read it cover to cover.
What age is it suitable for?
It is made primarily for adults and older teenagers with an interest in history, strategy, and military art. Many parents find their children enjoy exploring it together with them. The content covers warfare honestly — not graphically, but seriously.
Is this a limited edition?
Yes. Our previous book sold out twice without warning. The current print run is available now in USA, Canada, UK and Asia.
For all other regions it is on Pre-order.
How long does delivery take?
USA and Canada: 1 to 7 business days
UK: 4-13 Days
Asia: 5-15 Days
Rest of world: Pre-Order.
All orders are fully tracked.
Is it really hand-drawn?
Yes. Every final illustration was created by one of 12 Ukrainian artists. No stock imagery and no AI-generated final artwork.
How are you using AI?
Only for brainstorming and early-stage sketch exploration. Every final illustration in the book is hand-drawn, and the finished creative work is entirely human.
Customers praised this comprehensive military history encyclopedia for its "beautiful illustrations" and "exquisite detail." Most found it "amazing" and "informative," perfect for both adults and children. Some noted shipping delays and one customer experienced delivery issues. A few felt the content was "surface level" with one unnecessary section on future warfare.
- It felt amazing in my hands. It has a solid, substantial feel.
- This book is not only an encyclopedia but also a work of art.
- Perfect to browse for hours, admiring the drawings and learn in the process.
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
S
The book is amazing, I bought for me and for my friend, and already waiting for 3 version
A
I cant wait to get the two codex books cause they look really great and cant wait to have them in my book libraray
M
This book is all I needed. A very informative graphic encyclopedia. Props to the makers, they did a fantastic job. Considering now ordering the Invention Codex Book.
M
I was worried what state this book would arrive in but I need not have fretted. The packaging was exceptionally well done, no chance that damage could be done it was so well protected. As to the book itself and the accompanying sleeve, what can I say other than it's a work of art! Truly spectacular and worth the investment. This will enhance any bookcase.
F
It’s amazing, I give it 5 stars. The only thing that is a little disappointing is that the Codex didn’t come with the loyalty card as shown in your unboxing video on YouTube, the card that goes: “Dear Reader” other than that it’s amazing truly.
M
My 16 year old son and I both love knowing all the facts about how things work, how they developed, etc.This book is great for us. It is full of facts with an easy to read format and many well done pictures. The Book is hefty. Not the kind of book you take to the beach. Carrying it anywhere and holding it up takes commitment. I read it laying on the couch with it propped on my stomach. It is huge and the cover is beautifully crafted with foil inlays, and fabric. The pages are thick faux aged paper.The whimsical part comes in how they present information. While the data is good and seems well researched there are also tongue in cheek statement and illustrations. Take for instance the pyramid in this picture with things like a screening room and chariot garage included. I like how they keep it fun.My son's complaint was that finding the new information requires sifting through a lot of data we already know. I don't see how you could get around that in a world where there are so many variations of readers.I took off one star for the price. That is a hefty sum for a new book no matter how beautiful.
A
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I received this book as a gift and absolutely love it. It’s beautifully made — high quality, large format, and very engaging to both look at and read.I’d definitely recommend it as a meaningful gift for someone you love and appreciate. It feels like one of those special, heirloom pieces you’ll enjoy for years to come. A great choice for families who value reading and want to inspire a love of books in their children.Such a memorable and valuable book — I’m really happy to have it!
M
This book is absolutely stunning.Having already received the “inventions of the human mind” book, I couldn’t wait to receive this one. Filled with beautiful illustrations on high quality paper and again filled with information. Look forward for more in the future. Both books are to be treasured for life. 😎👍
W
I bought both books for my 12 y/o grandson and he has devoured them! He and I have spent hours sitting together going over the histories that are depicted, talking about how the events, technologies, and historical figures have impacted our world today. I will buy these books for my other grandson when he gets a few years older. Great books!
D
A fabulous book, richly illustrated with compelling, beautifully drawn images and interesting and accessible text, with the whole book logically and clearly set out in chronological order.
E
I pre purchased this book a while age and honestly forgot it was being shipped. Boy, I was in for an awesome surprise today! This is the coolest book i own and I own a lot of books. Its damn near perfect in its presentation and I look forward to shoving this in everyone's face who comes to my place for the next good while. Cheers to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen. You did it and you did a fu****g awesome job at it.
K
This is a very beautiful book. It is large - very large. The quality is exceptional. Visually, it is really stunning.Inside you'll find page after page of fun facts. The book is more of an overview, and if something is intriguing enough, you have the base info to go digging deeper. Each page is thick, and has beautiful illustrations.It is a fun book and useful in that you get a surface level education on inventions of the world throughout history - things you would not have otherwise likely known about. The book is great for kids as well as adults.The reason why I took off one star is only due to cost. The price is high enough to limit who will be able to purchase this book. It is large and of exceptional quality, so the price might be in the ball park of what it is worth. I just feel it is a bit expensive. Other than the cost, this is a beautiful and interesting book, that comes incredibly packaged and would make a wonderful and exciting gift for anyone.
A
A
An exceptionally well made book that manages to be both fascinating and visually impressive. The detail, illustrations and historical insights make it easy to lose track of time while reading. It’s one of those rare books that genuinely sparks curiosity and keeps drawing you back. Very pleased with the quality and would highly recommend.
M
This is a beautiful book, great illustrations on high quality paper and full of information. Something to treasure. I have already ordered the Military history.book also.👍
A
M
B
Lovely book and heavy not one for a bookshelf but the drawings are excellent and well done with great artwork and the artists must have spent a long time on them. A great credit to all the Ukrainian people who worked on the book and value for money.
D
Superb book. Very well selected content that is presented in a very accessible manner, but that is still accurate and informative. The visuals are excellent, and encourage kids to browse and learn. The quality of the paper, the binding and overall presentation is top grade.
