The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns [Hardcover]

Patrick Sweeney (Author), Anthony North (Author), Charles Stronge (Author), Will Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2010

This encyclopedia explains the development of arms, and shows the specifications of modern weapons. The book introduces readers to key designers and manufacturers and the technology involved in their production. The directories are the most comprehensive reference published for the general reader. Grouped according to country of origin, each gun's features are listed, as are the military, political and technological context in which each gun was developed.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Will Fowler is the author of over thirty books covering military technology and conflicts. He has also served for nearly thirty years in the British Territorial Army. Anthony North has worked for many years at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, giving him a wide knowledge of public and private collections of firearms. Charles Stronge is an experienced editor and writer, specialising in politics, international affairs and military history. He served for six years in the British Territorial Army. Patrick Sweeney is the Handgun Editor for Guns & Ammo magazine and has written a number of books and articles

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Anness (June 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754820653
• ISBN-13: 978-0754820659
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Military
  • #44 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Firearms & Weapons
  • #48 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Antiques & Collectibles

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Average, September 3, 2010

By 

Stewart Gormley (Broomfield, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns (Hardcover)

Not quite what I was expecting. I expected a more detailed encyclopedia of gun mechanics and operation ...not just a history with a list of guns. Some of the guns don't have any illustrations, and the information provided you could probably get by googling the gun...was really looking for a more technical book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Buy, June 22, 2010

By 

Xenomorph - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns (Hardcover)

This book cover small arms ranging from handguns(single-action revolvers/double-action revolvers/semi-auto pistols),SMG,rifles(bolt-action/semi-auto/automatic) to MG. Licensed production models by various countries were also included. Pictures of the guns were in color and of excellent quality. However, there's no pictures for some of the firearms. Specification include : manufacturer,caliber,magazine capacity,type of action,total length,barrel length and weight unloaded. Effective range for all the firearms was not included. Overall, it's a good buy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, "Massive" GUN identification guide book, December 24, 2010

By 

B47Stratojet - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns (Hardcover)

The title says it all. I stumbled upon this book at Borders Books for the ridiculous clearance price of $9.99. That was in 2008 and they got snapped up like hot cakes! I found it on Amazon as a gift for a friend at a higher price, but it's well worth it. There are literally thousands of color-side view pictures and specifications of just about every firearm imaginable; from Colonial Muskets to Mausers to M-4 Carbines and beyond, from every part of the globe. Not just

rifles, but handguns and revolvers as well. Of course it does not have everything ever made in the category of "Guns" but it's pretty darn close. I live in Florida, where we have Gun Shows just about every other month. This book has been invaluable to me as a research reference for a particular piece that I've found at a Collector or Modern Weaponry Show. This is a must have book for any of you gun enthusiast/historians out there. Just make sure it looks EXACTLY like the picture of the cover--as that is THE one you want. You will love this book.