Guns Books

Farifax Downey's "The Guns at Gettysburg" (1958) is narrow in its subject matter but tells an important story well and eloquently. The book is an excellent study of the role artillery played both for the Union and for the Confederacy in the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 -- July 3, 1863). Although the most potent weapon in the Civil War was the foot soldier and infantry, artilery was a feared and dreadful weapon and was of critical importance to the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg. Downey's study is nearly 50 years old, but it remains of great value to those wishing to understand Gettysburg and the role of the artillery. More general studies of the battle tend to give too little attention to the artillery.

Downey's book includes good information on the various forms of artillery weaponry, including Civil-War era drawings and models. The appendix to the book includes a list of artillery weaponry in use at Gettysburg and their capabilities, U.S. army regulations explaining the use of artilery, and the reports on the Battle of Gettysburg submitted by Generals Henry Hunt and William Pendelton, the chiefs of artiillery for the Union and the Confederacy.

The greater part of the book is devoted to an examination of each of the three days of the Battle with a discussion of how each side used -- or misused -- artillery. The discussion of the first day of the Battle focuses on the support Lieutenant John Calef's battery offered to the leader of the Union cavalry, John Burford, in the opening stages of the conflict. Then in the afternoon portion of the first day's battle, Downey discusses the heroics of Captain Hubert Dilger of the Federal XIth Corps whose bravery helped slow the Confederate onslaught on day 1 and allow the Union troops to retreat in safety.

In the second day of the Battle, Downey discusses the actions Lieutenant Charles Hazlett, whose troops and horses successfuly brought thier guns up the rocky slope of Little Round Top to help stem a fierce Confederate attack. At the Peach Orchard, Downey describes the actions of the Ninth Massachusetts and Captain John Bigelow whose isolated battery resisted a strong Confederate onslaught and bought precious minutes for Union reinforcements. Downey also describes the artillery battle at Culp's hill on the right side of the Union line and the heroic but doomed efforts of the Confederate "boy major", Joseph Latimer, in his opening artillery attack from Benner's Hill.

The book devotes a great deal of attention to the Southern cannonade that proceeded Pickett's charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most students of the battle know that much of the Confederate cannonade overshot its intended mark and was relatively ineffective. But Downey explains as well how the positioning of the Confederate artillery was faulty (and how the South failed to use all its available guns) and how its fire failed to concentrate on those portions of the Union forces that could do the impending infantry assault the most damage. This was a clear and valuable treatment of a matter I did not understand before reading this book.

The single most impressive figure in this book is General John Hunt, the Union's head artillerist. Hunt was courageous and cool under pressure. He seemed to cover the entire battlefield during the three days and was able to have his guns and reinforcements in the right place and in the nick of time. Confederate Colonel Porter Alexander, chief of artillery for Longstreet, also receives deserved high praise.

Downey points out the fortitude shown by artillerists for both the North and the South, while emphasizing the North's superiority in weaponry, numbers, discipline, and shot. Probably most importantly, the Union effectively coordinated its artillery efforts during the Battle, while the Confederacy, following the pattern for the Battle as a whole, was unable to do so in its efforts.

This book does not explore broad political or military issues of the American Civil War or even of the Battle of Gettysburg. But it tells an important part of the story of Gettysburg objectively and eloquently. Downey writes with an obvious knowledge and love of his chosen subject. This is an essential book for those readers with a burning desire to learn as much as they can about the Battle of Gettysburg.

I first read this superb little volume in high school and it had a profound impact on my later decision to become an artillery officer. It is also the only book to tell the tale of Gettysburg from the point of view of the artilleryman of both sides of the battlefield.

The author, an artilleryman himself, tells the tale of the men in both blue and grey who served the guns in the largest battle ever waged on the North American continent. From Calef's horse artillery battery that rode with Buford, through Pegram's Battalion and the Washinton Artillery of New Orleans, and finally to the great prepatory cannonade that failed to pave the way for Pickett's doomed attack on the third day of battle, the tale is told of men and animals sho served and pulled the guns and their supporting vehicles. Gallant battery commanders, one badly wounded and amputating his own leg with a pen knife, another told to hold at all costs, losing his battery to an overwhelming southern assault on the 2d day of battle, being wounded and taken to safety by his faithful trumpeter, and finally to gallant, Medal of Honor winning, Alonzo Cushing, swearing to give Armistead's infantry 'one more round' before being shot dead with the lanyard in his hand. None of the stories, however, is as stirring as the one of Hazlett's battery being ordered to the crest of Little Round Top, an almost verticle face on the rear of the hill without roads or trails of any kind. Calmly turning to his trumpeter to sound 'Forward' one can almost imagine the looks on the faces of his gunners and NCOs as they launched their battery at the gallop to and at the eminence. Horses strained at the harness, gunners dismounted to pull with the animals, now frothing at the mouth in their desperation to do their master's bidding. Finally, the battery's guidon crests the hill, the guns cresting the ridge along with the panting artilleryman and the exhausted, trembling horses.

One aspect the author does not leave out and that is the contribution of the horses to the guns, men, and the final effort. So well-trained that they maneuvered without any human direction save the calls from the battery trumpeter, they stoically endured murderous artillery and musket fire, dying in their harness, or mourning a lost companion after the action, their drivers sharing their grief. These loyal, magnificent animals should never be forgotten, and the author gives them their just due.

Even though this volume is out of print, it is a very important contribution to Civil War literature, and belongs on every historians shelf and in any bibliography of Gettysburg.

As a policy analyst who continually struggles to get an accurate picture of controversial issues, I give this book high marks for covering three important criteria for good treatment of social subjects.

First, they provide a historical review. How could we get perspective on contemporary controversies if we didn't know that police in Boston and New York City did not wear guns in 1905, that only a small proportion of households owned guns through much of U.S. history prior to the 1960s, and that gun sales increased threefold in the 1960s over the 1950s? In other words, there is nothing in the American character or traditions that consistently links them to guns.

Next, a proper treatment must try for balance, and the authors are conscientious in providing pro and anti-gun positions in essays.

Pros and cons are not enough because partisan arguments often leave out key background information. The authors seek to provide such background by a whole host of diverse articles, for example, motivations for gun ownership, statistics on gun crimes, manipulation of public opinion by advertising, regional patterns (i.e. western and rural vs urban guns), social science perspectives, etc. In short, there is an effort to build background information so that readers can test out their own theories and experience.

Having said these positive things, I missed more than a limited list of readings at the end (no references for each essay). The authors let several essayists summarize - so you really end up doing the work of synthesis yourself.

However, the need for getting adequate and balanced information on touchy issues in the U.S. is so great that I concur with the Christian Science Monitor in rating the authors' effort highly.

I don't have a lot to say about this book, but since no other ordinary purchaser has reviewed it here, I thought it better to throw in a few comments than to leave you, the potential buyer, with no guidance whatsoever. First of all, this is a collection of over 40 essays by that many different authors. Some are clearly for more gun control, some are firmly against, and some writers focus instead on what the gun issue says about our culture, generally. Some of the works are very scholarly, like a shortened version of a master's thesis--chock full of historical detail and deep analysis. Some of these deep writings do not lend themselves to casual pleasure reading. Some essays go in the other direction, giving you plenty of passionate rhetoric but few factual details to support the writer's position. All in all, this collection of 43 essays by some of the biggest names in the gun control debate today is very useful for almost anyone. I would not say that it's a "must-have" for someone who has read several other books about gun control, because you've probably seen most of these ideas before. But for someone familiar with the gun control issue who does not already have a library full of books on the subject, this is one you should get. You will find yourself refering to it over and over again.

My son is a guitarist and bought this book using my account. This is what he had to say: "To all those guitarists out there or if you are a gnr fan like me, this book is an abolute must buy. Its great!"

If you grew up listening to this band and want to play their music, this is the best G`n`R` tabulature available. This anthology allows you to rock on with the tunes embellished by yourself now. Enjoyed it thuroughly.

I read this book after Gerard Whelan came to our school and explained why he wrote it. He said that a lot of the problems in Ireland today are caused by people getting upset about what they think happened in history and he wanted to find out what really happened. This is a really exciting story about children's adventures during the Easter Rising and at the end you realise it isn't about baddies and goodies but about real mixed up people. I am 13 and I think anyone who enjoys adventure stories would enjoy this one.

This is an adventure story located in the turmoil of Dublin during the 1916 rebellion. As well as being a gripping adventure, it's a great introduction to modern Irish history.

I've recommended it to older friends as well as younger ones and most of them have read it at one sitting.

The hero of the novel spends Easter week dodging the firefights and explosions which are racking Irelands capital.

Through his travels the book introduces us to a varied cast of characters on both sides of the Irish struggle. As well as the British soldiers there are the various Irish groups that came together to oppose them: the working men of the Citizens army, the poets and writers of the Irish volunteers and the ordinary citizens of Dublin.

The young boys life is often in danger, but through his eyes we are privileged to see the sacrifice and determination which is bringing Ireland it's freedom.

While the hero of the novel is dodging the raking fire of machine guns and the heavy thud of Mauser bullets we're given a fascinating picture of Dublin and it's inhabitants.

One of the things I most enjoyed about this book was it's attention to detail and it's great period accuracy. But after reading it I also understood more fully the political events that are happening in Ireland now.

I enjoyed the book enough that I wish it had been longer. There are enough pages, but they seem to go fast. John Wilcox is not Bernard Cornwell, Zane Grey, or my latest idol, Sam Barone, but he writes a nice story. Most of his main characters are very likable, and the reader can cheer when the villains get their just desserts. The female lead is somewhat exasperating. Sometimes she is portrayed sympathetically, and at other times she is vain and self centered. If you've read Patrick O'Brian's Captain Aubrey series, there's a woman named Diana that reminds me of Alice in the Simon Fonthill series. I think everyone was glad when she finally drowned, and unless Alice's character improves by learning from the mistakes she's made in her life, I think I shall be glad if she falls by the wayside. I also have an issue in the series with false cowboys, rigged duels, and commanders dumber than dirt. But for the time being I intend to buy the series although I have reservations about it. Why, because the series is just good enough, I like the time period, and I just can't help feeling that the one book I don't buy will be the one where the author finally puts together a masterpiece.

There is nothing more satisfying than an adventure series that keeps delivering winners. Knowing that you can purchase a book and be entertained year after year makes reading a joy.

Wilcox delivers again with The Guns of El Kabir. In his fifth annual installment of the /simon Fonthill series, Wilcox has Simon and 352in Egypt fighting a war not dissimilar than the current war in Iraq. All of the usual cast of characters. Particularly warming is the growing relationship between Fonthill and 352. While they bear a striking resemblance to Sharpe and Harper, the main characters continue to work.

Sure the book is formulaic: incompetent British officers, dastardly Arabs, a hero who can get out of the worst messes with seeming ease. Yet, in the hands of a master, it works. I would at some point appreciate an index of the various wounds Fonthill has suffered. His body must look like a pin-cushion!

So, get your annual fix, buy The Guns of El Kabir and prepare to be entertained!

a must book for history buffs living in new england. there were things happening in places outside of the mass. during the founding of our country. an excellent travel guide!

I didn't read this book per se, but did look at the illustrations which were very good. Relied on what Amazon said about it. Knew it was good and belonged in our Special Collections unit at the local college. They were very pleased to get it.

I read this book, translated to the portuguese, when I was a child.I still have this book.I should tell you, that this book is concise, short and easy to read.Why I don't give 5 stars for it?Well, this book has basically nothing, about soviet artillery .I fact soviet artillery beteween 1941-1945 was the biggest in world history.I think that, when this book was writen in 1970's decade wasn't possible to have trustable information about soviet artillery in World War II.The japanese artillery also has very limited writen in this book.
If you want to see the table of contents of this book, in English, I don't have it.I want to translate to English the brazilian table of contents, with some coments from myself:
1-The Thunder of war>Introduction writen by Barrie Pitt.
2-The begginings >The artillery in beggining of World War II.
3-Division's artillery > Equipments from England, USA,etc.
4-Anti-tank artillery > Guns and anmunitions anti-tanks.
5-Steel's roof >Anti-aircraft artillery in World War II.
6-Heavy weight guns > The great cannons,mortars and coastal defense.
7-The Newton's artillery > Guns without recoil.
8-Crude guns > Crude artillery produced.All with limited or no results at all.
9-Table of dates > Weights, sizes, range,etc. of artillery in World War II.
10-Bibliography > Books about this subject.

This is an excellent overview of artillery and anti-tank guns of the Axis and the Allies during World War II.

The emphasis is on the technology and capabilities of the individual guns, which you'd think would render the prose rather tedious. But author Ian Hogg writes very well and keeps it interesting.

The text is punctuated with numerous photographs and illustrations.

I received a copy of this book while recovering from major surgery and despite its bulk (500 plus pages), I couldn't put it down. I especially enjoyed the photos and detailed coverage of firearms use in frontier life in the 1800s, a topic I've not seen covered so well elsewhere. I also liked the chapters on women as shootist, the presence of foreign-made guns in the west, Indian Guns and frontier use of artillery by civilians and the army. I am not a student of antique firearms but have always been fascinated by the history of the American West. The first person accounts the author used added to my understanding of the topic and made the book even more facinating. This book is a great gift for someone who is a fan of the American West as well as firearms.

I've just started in on reading it but I found the book to have a lot of information about various firearms used in the West, including pre-Civil war days.
It's a big book with several chapters divided between the different types of firearms, the periods in which they were used, and the people who used them.
I especially remember chapters on Buffalo hunting, several on gun brands, and one on the women who used these weapons. Each chapter has several photographs, some of these are period originals and some are of the guns as they are now found in a variety of private and public collections (the photos could stand to be a little larger and clearer to make them easier to examine). There is a very long footnoted bibliography at the back of the book, and much of the text is quoted material from these older (often period) works.
The book is better suited to reading in several sittings, a chapter at a time. I think I'll learn a lot while reading it but I wish there was more information on how the guns were used, not just that this person used that gun or some certain gun was more favored for one thing or another. I remember very little "saddleleather" information, that might be a little bit misleading in the title.

In HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL you will here about Paladin a man that is a gun for hired but only if the price is right and the cause is right. He is a man that stands up to those that defy law and order and is a man that attempts to right wrongs. Sort of like the Lone Ranger without the mask.

The characteristic of John Dehner that stands out in this radio series is his distinctive voice - usually an aset in classic radio. His authoritative (and slightly superior) air and excellent diction played well as Paladin, the mysterious man who was a West Point graduate and student of military and other history. Was he a hired gun? Perhaps, but in fact he was much more. He made moral and practical judgements of the people he met, didn't discriminate against minorities, and treated others with respect and demanded the same of them.

Although Richard Boone made a visual icon of the TV Paladin, Dehner played the western hero in the only series that traveled to radio after it began production as a TV program. The radio series ran from late 1958 to late 1960, and Dehner played Paladin in all the programs. His delivery is impeccable throughout, and the resulting programs are well worth listening to. Although some of the scripts are spin-offs of the TV series, many are original.

If you're a fan of Have Gun Will Travel, these programs make great listening while driving on trips or spending a quiet evening at home.

This book rises above two problems: errors/typos and terrible binding. It's a fat little book with very short pages so it's difficult to open it wide enough to read easily.
And you're going to want to open it wide because they pack alot of info in there. The book is broken down by weapon type (pistol, rifle, light machine-gun, etc.) and you will find most of the well known weapons in here with plenty of weird one-offs and forgotten ancestors.
The basic info for each gun is mostly complete and the text and photo is generally well-done. The typos are frequent enough to annoy and there are some obvious errors including the wrong weapon description being used for one entry.
Still a very good addition to a basic library on firearms because few are as comprehensive and feature so many good photographs.

This is great book considering its price. It is almost identical to the Jane's Gun Recognition Guide except it is cheaper and doesn't contain as many errors. It has any gun from the year 1900 to the present. I did have trouble finding the SA80. I thought it would have it considering there is a picture of one on the back. But still, this book is a great buy for people who are looking for a good book that contains lots of information on weapons.