A visual history of armored vehicles, from the early tanks of World War I to present-day models, created in association with the Smithsonian Institution. Showcasing the most famous military fighting machines, Tank combines comprehensive photographic spreads with in-depth histories of key manufacturers and specially commissioned visual tours of the most iconic examples of their groundbreaking firepower. Study the impact of the tank on the evolution of battlefield and military strategy, from the crude machines that were designed to roll through mud to break up trench warfare to the more sophisticated weapons that have become a symbol of military strength. -- Publisher's description.

At head of title: Smithsonian. Includes index.

The first tanks: to 1918 -- Between the wars: 1918-1939 -- World War II: 1939-1945 -- The Cold War: 1945-1991 -- Post-Cold War: after 1991.