AMERICAN GUN A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms

The authors examine American history through 10 guns that have been important in our nation's development. The analysis covers the American long rifle (a rifled musket), the six-shooter of the Old West, the Tommy gun of the Roaring Twenties, and today's military rifle, among others. Far from a polemic on gun rights, the discussion shows how advances in technology shaped the country and its military. John Pruden offers a straightforward narration. He's believable as the authors when they interject themselves into the text. However, the periodic use of profanity, while easy to gloss over in print, can be a bit jarring when heard. Also, the book moves along in the historical sections but bogs down in the technical passages. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2013]