Customer Reviews

The Gun That Made the Twenties Roar,

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4 star:		(1)
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A well writen account of how the arms industry in America develops a product. John T. Thompson, the gun's developer spent his life as a professional soldier and developed the concept of the modern submachine gun. A combination of peace, poor timing, and Hollywood left him a frustrated inventor who died just before his weapon became standard issue in WW II. The "Tommy Gun" is one of the most recognized weapons in the world and author Helmer writes an interesting account of how this came to pass. This book is very readable for what was originally, I beleive, a master's thesis. This book would be of interest for those interested in the social aspects of Americian culture in the 20's and 30's as well as for those interested the history of small arms. Helmer relates many amusing anecdotes and reveals a number of ironic developments.

The book that put the Tommy Gun on the map as far as I'm concerned. And one incident that seems to go hand in hand with the infamous gun was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Bill highlights the Fred "Killer" Burke hideout and seizure of 2 Tommy Guns now located at the Berrien County Sheriff's Department. While other sources couldn't quite seem to get the facts straight often with incorrect spellings, Bill obviously did his homework and did a fantastic job with his research. Accuracy is a key and this man follows-up and gets the information right from the source! That is why his books should be filed in the reference section of the library!

This is the definitive social, political, criminal, police, and military history of the Thompson submachine gun. Plus, the author's lively writing style makes for rat-a-tat reading.

"The Gun That Made The Twenties Roar," by William J. Helmer, is the story of General John T. Thompson and the famous invention named after him, the Thompson Submachine Gun. The book was first published by MacMillan in 1969 with 10 chapters and some appendices, and it was updated and published by the Gun Room Press in the 1970's with one additional chapter on West Hurley Thompsons, written by the late George C. Nonte, Jr. The book was originally written as a master's thesis at The University of Texas by Mr. Helmer. He used material from the John Thompson estate, and interviewed the inventors and principal figures involved in Auto-Ordnance while they were still alive, including Theodore Eickhoff, Oscar Payne, and George Goll. They provided testimonial accounts and historical photographs which are featured in the book. This is one of the best researched works on firearms ever written, and it has stood the test of time. The level of detail is beyond compare, and the story is compelling and entertaining to read. The Thompson Submachine Gun is a weapon whose invention began during World War I, but was too late for that war. It's history involves great inventors, financiers, militaries throughout the world, gangsters, law enforcement officials, the I.R.A., and a tremendous contribution to Allied victory during World War II. Everyone who has an interest in U.S. History and firearms should have this book in their library.