Customer Reviews

Guns of the Old West: An Illustrated History

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A "mixed review" is about the best possible for this book,
because there is such disparity between the good and negative
elements. The photos are fabulous, which much detail and
well-informed captions, and that part is clearly the best
part of this book. Most photos were taken of gun collections
in famous museums, mainly the Gene Autry museum in L.A., and
the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY, so the guns themselves
are rare and usually documented in a way that clearly sets them

apart from what most of us will ever see. Anyone who has ever
tried to photograph a gun will have their breathe taken away
by the clarity and beauty of these photos, and they have to
be seen to be believed. Any student of the Old West, or of
firearms, will want to study these photos and relish the
details.
Unhappily, the text doesn't seem to have as much detail or
accuracy. Many old legends are repeated, seemingly without
verification, and some of them are rather discredited now.
So the stories have to be read with an open mind, knowing
that further reading would be required before forming an opinion
of some of the historic figures of the Old West.
So there is an odd mix in going through this book, but the
photos alone make this an interesting and worthwhile project.

Guns Of The Old West: An Illustrated History by firearms expert and historian Dean K. Boorman (President of the Armor and Arms Club of new York) is detailed guide to the revolvers and firearms of America during the course of its frontier years. Black-and-white as well as color photographs present examples of numerous guns and gun-related memorabilia, thereby enhancing a thorough history describing the evolution of guns and the relentless advance of a technology that changed how wars and individuals on the American frontier fought for their lives. Guns Of The Old West is a fascinating, informative volume which is especially recommended for antique gun collectors and western history buffs.

This is a great book for anyone who does not already own a collection of books on guns of the Old West. For the money it is SPECTACULAR! The book is color throughout. The only black and white material is actually from the 19th century and includes fine period photos of people with the guns being discussed as well as old drawings and correspondence. The text is brief and works as companion to the photos. I would recommend this to anyone with a new interest in this topic.

I was very please with the GUNS OF THE OLD WEST; AN
ILLUSTRATED HISTORY. This was a gift for my husband
who loves to read about old guns and the way the west
was tamed. Glad to be able to find books like this
on Amazon.

Great illustrations and very informative, I recommend this book to Western and gun aficionados. Nice history bits linked to the illustrations.

i got this book for my girlfriend. she is really into cowboys and stuff like that. this book was very interesting specialy the information on the american movement out west. a good buy for anyone that's in to the wild west.

Great book,,,good history on the type of guns used and their manufactures, Recomend this book to anyone who is interested in this subject...

This is a really good book.

It has a lot of information about old guns that you simply will not be able to find elsewhere.

This was a gift to my husband. He loves it.