Customer Reviews

Thompson: The American Legend: The First Submachine Gun

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After purchasing a half-dozen other books published by Collector Grade I was eager to receive this book. Collector Grade books have a reputation for being extremely detailed containing more information than one could ever want to know about a particular firearm. I was somewhat disappointed with this book and I feel that it just does not meet the level of detail or quality of the other books by this publisher.
The book is extremely unorganized. It starts out with information about development of the Thompson, jumps into early .30 caliber Thompson rifle design and detail about the Blish lock. It then covers early prototypes including the Model 1919. Then it takes a huge detour into the history of smuggling of Thompsons into Ireland by the IRA, and the IRA use of the Thompson in the 20th century. Finally you arrive at the chapter on the Model 1921, which briefly describes that gun. It then goes into another foray into development of the Thompson for aircraft and other experimental Thompsons. Large sections of the book are dedicated to the use of the Thompson in movies and fiction. Information about the extremely significant WW2-version M1A1 is very limited and almost an after-thought. The technical information is just an incomplete mish-mash of blueprints for the 1928 and M1A1, with very little information about the construction process of the Thompson. Compared to the Technical sections in the Collector Grade books about the K98k Mauser, M1 Carbine or Sten I was very disappointed. The section on the Thompson accessories is actually quite good and contains some good information and photographs.
Almost HALF of the book contains a listing of EVERY SINGLE Model 1921 Thompson (ALL 15,000 of them, serials 42 to 15,042). It felt to me like this was filler. Though interesting, I found it not particularly useful. I felt that the serial number information could have been abbreviated or offered in a seperate publication.
Overall, this book contains information that is useful to any Thompson collector or enthusiast. However, the orginization is awful and the information is in many ways incomplete.

This is the greatest book ever on the classic American submachine gun. Every model, prototype, variation, etc. and everything you always wanted to know about the Thompson submachine gun is here. Hundreds of photos, articles by a dozen or so leading authorities on the tommy gun and its development (too late to see service as a World War I "trench broom" as creator Gen. John T. Thompson envisioned it) colorful history in peace and war, use and misuse on both sides of the law (Tracie Hill's original title was "On the Side of Law and Order"; this was also Thompson's original motto--to market the weapon to law enforcement and also offset the gun control nuts--we even had 'em back then!) and revamped resurrection as the classic GI machine gun of World War II. It's all here: the Thompson and its technical, social, political, cops & robbers, military and even movie history. Thompson collectibles. Plus about the best ever account of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre!

"Thompson: The American Legend," by Tracie Hill and several other contributing authors documents the development, production, and history of all models of Thompson Submachine Guns, (including BSA's), as well as Thompson Autorifles with narrative content and hundreds of pictures. This is a very detailed work that spans much of the extensive information that Thompson collectors seek. Prototype guns, magazines, drums, and many accessories including web gear, cases, tools, manuals, ammunition, etc., are shown and referenced in detail. The history of the gun in the hands of law enforcement and gangsters, as well as its WWII use is covered. It also shows many examples of Hollywood use through the years. This is the first book I would recommend a Thompson enthusiast to acquire.