Of all infantry weapons conceived during the 20th century, few were as important as the submachine gun, a weapon designed specifically for close-quarter combat. The MP40 'Schmeisser' gives a detailed history of the development and use of this infamous German machine pistol. Heavily illustrated with archival photography, cutaway drawings, and 12 detailed artworks, this account follows the MP40 from its genesis in preliminary World War I designs through its use by the German forces on all fronts and its postwar service with other nations. Comprehensive appendices include full specifications and extensive comparisons with contemporary Allied weapons.