Fireworks: A Gunsite Anthology [Paperback]

Jeff Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Fireworks is a collection of wild, hilarious, shocking and always meaningful tales from the remarkable life of an American firearms legend. Mount up and ride along with Cooper as he fights the Japanese in the Pacific, hunts giant Cape buffalo in Africa, recounts the exploits of such fighting men as Wild Bill Hickock and Medal of Honor winner Col. Herman Henry Hanneken and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The most important thing I can say about this book is: buy it and read it. If you have an interest in hard, unblinking perceptions of the real world, you will not be disappointed. If you also have taste, you will be delighted. --From the Introduction by Mel Tappan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Jeff Cooper is one of the true pioneers of weaponcraft in the US. His numerous accomplishments include founder of Gunsite Ranch, editor at large of Guns & Ammo magazine, winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner award in 1995, Rangemasert Emeritus of the US Practical Shooting Assn. and long-time member of the board of directors of the National Rifle Assn.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press; First edition. edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873649966
• ISBN-13: 978-0873649964
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeff Cooper was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1920. He was educated at Stanford University and took his advanced degree from the University of California. He was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1941 and served throughout World War II in the Pacific, achieving the rank of Major. Recalled to active duty for the Korean War, he moved up one rank to Lieutenant Colonel before leaving the service.

Cooper became a shottist at the age of eleven. In 1958 he originated the sport of practical pistol competition. From this activity he formulated the Modern Technique of the Pistol, now generally observed throughout the world. For the next thirty years he was active in teaching the new method throughout the Western World.

In 1976 Jeff Cooper founded the International Practical Shooting Confederation. In 1977 he founded the American Pistol Institute at Gunsite in Arizona, where he lived until his death in 2006.

He served as editor-at-large of Guns and Ammo magazine, for which he wrote a monthly column. After having served many years as a director of the National Rifle Association of America, he was elected to the Executive Council.

Jeff Cooper spent a long and active life reading, shooting, hunting, fighting and teaching. Internationally respected as the "Gunner's Guru," Jeff Cooper is a philosopher, moralist, and political commentator -- a true modern Renaissance man. It is to the benefit of his many readers that he developed the passion at an early age to write it all down.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Cooper at his best., November 4, 1999

By 

Katherine Cornelius (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fireworks: A Gunsite Anthology (Paperback)

Fireworks is Cooper at his best; with tales ranging from battles and hunts to tequila making and returning home from war. Cooper knows how to tell a story right; leaving in the details that breath life into every sentence. Whether making a carbine exciting or describing some of the best history of the twentieth century, Cooper draws the reader in with his masterful use of the English language. Originally purchased for my husband, now one of my favorites!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Jeff Cooper, November 26, 2008

By 

Michael A. Slominsky (Louisville, Kentucky United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fireworks: A Gunsite Anthology (Paperback)

This Gunsite anthology from Jeff Cooper is full of the wit and wisdom that he singularly possessed. From philosophical examinations of violence in the historical heroes of American lore to good recipies for tequilla (or mezcal), this work gives a little more insight into the mind of a real American icon. I wish I could've met this great man.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great stories!, December 5, 2010

By 

John M. Buol Jr. "John M. Buol Jr." (San Antonio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FireWorks (Hardcover)

Fireworks is a typical Jeff Cooper book, being primarily a compendium of previously published magazine articles and essays. "To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth" has more coverage of shooting-related topics. This one covers a much broader range.

Someone commented that this book is a series of disjointed essays. True, but they are really good essays! Each chapter is its own unique story. Kriegsoberst!, the tale of Hans-Ulrich Rudel, is among my favorites.

Even though coverage of shooting topics is spotty, this is my favorite Jeff Cooper book, to be read simply to enjoy the tale!