1 comments about Spanish Handguns: The History of Spanish Pistols & Revolvers.

1. The study or the Ruby Pistol is not complete without reading this book. The markings section was most informative.

5 comments about The Luger Handbook.

1. Very complete listing of all Luger variations with enough detail to distinguish between similar models. With no background I was able to use the Handbook to identify my two Lugers by year and producer.



2. I bouhgt this book because I am very new to Lugers. I should have read the reviews first. How can a book be rated at such extremes? Either great or terrible. Who do you believe?



3. 
   Excellent. Just Excellent. A must in every guns related bookshelf.



4. Este libro tiene una buena cantidad de informacion, pero le falta apoyo fotografico o dibujos.



5. Very inaccurate in descriptions of various models, proofmarks, manufacturers, etc. The author does not even properly describe the basic operation of this type of weapon, he calls it a blowback when it is a recoil operated weapon. Such a basic error gives you some idea of the rest of the book. In defense of the book it is after all a handbook but it should be accurate.

No comments about Combat Handguns (Greenhill Military Manuals).

1 comments about Gunfighters: The Outlaws and Their Weapons.

1. Its price tag represents a bargain for a book well over four hundred pages in length and packed with vintage black and white and some color photos throughout. Any collection strong in Western history and culture will want to include GUNFIGHTERS: THE OUTLAWS AND THEIR WEAPONS: it packs in history surveying the age of the Western cowboy, his equipment, and politics of the times. Chapters survey regional town history and culture, county and city establishment patterns, and major town figures from prostitutes to gunmen on both sides of the law. A vivid history surpasses competitors for content and color.

No comments about Gun Trader's Guide: Complete Fully Illustrated Guide to Modern Firearms with Current Market Values (Gun Trader's Guide).

No comments about Firearms in the American West 1700-1900.

4 comments about Fine Gunmaking, Double Shotguns.

1. If you ever consider ordering a bespoke shotgun for yourself read Mr Hughes book which is full of vital information and will help you get the gun you desire



2. Steven Hughes presents a fine overview of the making of a fine side-by-side shotgun. The chapters are logically laid out and the writing is straight forward and easy to read. The photography is, for the most part, excellent and adds to the narrative. However, the book is a prime example of why editors should not rely on a word processor's spellcheck. There are numerous spelling errors and typos, especially in the first half of the book. The chapter on wood finishing repeatedly refers to filling the "pours" of the wood. An otherwise fine book, written by someone who is obviously meticulous in his work. He should not have allowed his book to be published with so many distracting errors in it.



3. If you have any interest in what it takes to build a custom gun, or are contemplating having one built this book is a must read, once you start you cannot put it down.



4. The book is very well written and easy to read. Mr Hughes describes the workmanship involved in producing fine quality double barrel shotguns from picking wood for stocks, metal work, to engraving. The book contains numerous fine photographs of various guns in the process of being worked on. There are also many examples of fine engraving and case colors that can be compared. He details the time involved to make and checker stocks, metalsmith actions and cut engraving for a Fox gun he made for himself. Although he goes into detail on certain processes like checkering and wood finish, he omits much detail on metal working the interior of the shotgun for liability reasons, and as he states 'this is not a "how to book"'. From this book one will get a very good idea of the time and exacting detail that is involved by makers of fine guns to craft a work of art. This book is a must read for any shotgun enthusiast and a welcome addition to any gun library.

5 comments about Arms and Armor from Iran: The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Peroid.

1. A very comprehensive description of Iranian arms, Iranian history and processes used to create Damascus steel. I found the history described to be as fascinating as the more technical aspects. Extensive pictures illustrate and complement the text. While this is certainly an academic volume, I found the text to flow and easy to read.



2. I am not the bigest collector, neither I have the most complete library on arms and armor. But the book of Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani is trully outstanding !
   Everyone knows "similar" books which are available on the market today. Some of them have very nice pictures and short description of the pictured items. Unfortunatelly some other books have only nice pictures and "fairy tales" about the pictured items.
   "Arms & Armor from Iran" is many PARASANGES forward in comparison with any other book writen on this subject. Is a great work which impresses not only collectors and people who have knowledge about the subject, but also any simple and occasional reader who 'll hold the book in his hands for a short time.The perfection of Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani's work, shows not only the high level of his scientific knowledge on arms and armor of his home country, but also his pure love to them !
   In few words, it can be the "BIBLE" or "QURAN" of any serious or amateur collector !
   Congratulations to Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani ! We are looking forward his next book !
   
   Epimenidis Platsidakis
   Gunmaker
   Hania Crete, Greece.
   email: fineguns@otenet.gr



3. Prior to ordering this publication, I read all the other reviews so there was already a built-up expectation of excellence in what I was to discover when the book arrived. I can unequivocally, that not only did the reputation prove correct, but in every way, the book still exceeded what I was to expect! The text is extremely detailed, the images fantastic, the construction of the book is of the finest quality. For most subject matters, one must build a large reference libary of many publications to give you the volume of information this one book provides. The price is steep but when you consider that it really is several books in one, it still proves to be a bargain. I think it would have been reasonable to publish this massive publication in multiple volumes which the buyer would then have to purchase individually and the sum of the prices would easily equal or surpass this publication's price.
   
   The author was highly privileged in accomplishing the impossible in his access to most of the artifacts he fully displays from Iranian military museum collections closed to the general public. This book opens the door, for the first time, to enjoyment and study of rare ancient weapons and armor that have never been seen before by the vast majority of the world.
   
   The mere publication of this book is quite an accomplishment unto itself. Everyone who appreciates arms and armor of the ancient world should include this book in their library.



4. What a work of art!! I consider this book to as precious and valuable as the masterpieces Mr. Khorasani did so much research on to write this book.
   
   This is HANDS-DOWN THE BEST BOOK EVER (EVER) written on Iranian (or Middle Eastern) arms and armor. I would go as far as to say that this is one of the best books written on the subject of arms and armor.
   
   Look, this book weights over 10 lbs. It consumed over 8 years of the Authors' life to gather and organize all the information in this book, and this book has a lot of information. Very important information. A lot of whats in this book is RARE information. Its amazing, so much of the information in this has never even been written in English before. So, much detail... I know without a hesitation that much of info was translated from Farsi and Arabic.
   
   There is nothing like this book. Details are given, not only about the weapons and armor, but also about how it was worn and used. I really love how the Author put this together. There is so much detail about the conduct a warrior should have, how they lived there life, and the etiquette in which a man should carry himself and his sword. Mr. Khorasani, even includes Omar Khayyam's chapter on swords, from his book noruz-nameh, as well as many other important people. It has taught a lot about my heritage. So, much so, that I am even teaching my family about our heritage. I learned that swords and swordsmanship go deep in my veins. My ancestors were even called men of the sword by the Persians. I have been studying Japanese swordsmanship for about 5 years, and my father would always ask me why. I never had a good reply, until I got this book. Now he never asks anymore. Javanmardi, is the way which I try to live my life. This book has really changed me as a Persian and as a Martial artist. I carry the same pride around now as the Sassanian warriors or Ayyer did. Pride in my weapons. Pride in my skills. Pride in my long wavy hair.
   
   If you are reading these reviews to decided if you should buy this book or if you are into arms and armor. BUY IT!! You can't go wrong. I bought this book the 1st week it was published last year, and its still in perfect condition. So, while it is a big book; it can still take some damage. I carried my copy around for the first 3 months i got it. The price on this book will only scare you for a minute. Once you actually see and feel this book, you won't regret it. I'm sure of that.
   
   Thank you Mr Khorasani for the dedication and sacrifices you have made to to write this book. Its a real gem. You should be proud of yourself, for a job well done. I think what you have done and what this book, really, represents is something very special. Thanks again!
   
   Noruzeh moborak!!
   
   Jahun Moayedzadeh



5. Let me start my humble review of the book entitled "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Dr. Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani with the only absolutely negative remark I have in relation to this book. In computer-related terminology, this is not a laptop, it is not even a desktop - this is something more of a database - both in its size and the amount of information it carries - the latter, of course is a positive notion. Seriously, this book is humongous! What I would love to see is it being divided into two, with all these marvelous illustrations assembled in volume 2, carefully preserved for only the friends who wash their hands before touching this book. Also, put on my "wish list": a CD-ROM based on this book. I cannot imagine a single person interested in history, science and the art of arms who wouldn't want to have it.
   
   Now, back to the book. I turn the page and see the excursus into the Iranian history and am surprised at first - why would I want to refresh my memory in history? And only when being almost half way through the book I suddenly realize that this excursus actually prepared me to the forthcoming chapters! Okay, spending my young years in Armenia, while studying towards my M.S. degree I was literally "around the corner" from Iran and read a lot about the country's rich heritage - but what about those whose standard is a McDonalds' ad claiming that Belgium is a city in Germany? I guess - no, I actually hope that people who grab this book with both their hands do have some basic knowledge of history, and at least some understanding of Persian to know that the word "shamshir" translates to English as "sword" and not "saber". Needless to say that this short history of Iran so wisely and properly placed in the beginning of the book, helps explain how and why such advanced metallurgy developed in this part of the world and how it led to the development of superior arms so beautifully crafted.
   
   I allow myself to respectfully skip the Bronze Age and jump right into the crucible steel period as it has intrigued me for as long as I can remember.
   
   The very beginning of the chapter on crucible steel may not appeal to the conservative-thinking stubborn opponents who are overwhelmed with the theory saying that the name "Damascus steel" refers to a crucible watered steel that was uniquely produced in the city of Damascus by local smiths, and this steel's unique qualities and appeal were attributed to the unique, Vanadium and Molybdenum enriched ore from the mount of Damascus - too bad we cannot check it since the mount was apparently dug down to the ground by the smiths in their quest for this miraculous ore. As for me, I am more convinced by the theory presented in this book - specifically, that the city of Damascus was a huge market place for merchants whose roads crossed in this city. In this case, Damascus was obviously a "supermarket" for many customers from around the world in search of outstanding Persian blades and good blades from India.
   
   The author continuous by quoting and analyzing Dr. Feuerbach's research - for which fact I think many of us should be particularly grateful to Dr. Khorasani since not all of us have access to the most interesting Ph.D. dissertation on crucible steel by Dr. Feuerbach (I believe it still can be ordered from the author on CD-ROM). I do not completely agree with the theory of watered crucible steel being necessarily of a dendritic structure as other structural formations are possible and may cause similar to dendritic "watering" and qualities. Also structural analysis of old blades is somewhat challenged by the elements' migration in the steel over the time.
   
   Dr. Khorasani then brings to our attention a detailed description of the method of making watered crucible steel as it was recorded by Massalski from the words of the smiths in Bukhara - a truly interesting historical piece which leaves us wondering: if it is described in such detail, why was it never reproduced by followers? Of course, when taking a closer look it is obvious that with all this use of silver, different types of steel, precise construction and meticulous timing - it is more reminiscent of the work of an alchemist than a metallurgist - besides, few centuries before Massalski, smiths were not that technologically advanced and yet were able to produce superb quality watered crucible steel. The author then takes us to methods used in India. Although it is mentioned that the wootz-made blade must hold the edge well and be strong, hard yet flexible, it is well-documented that many wootz ingots (cakes) are extremely brittle - as well as many wootz-made blades. The Russian Army Lieutenant (Poruchik) Maksimov, the acknowledged authority on edged weapons who spent a lot of time at the Zlatoust Arms Factory, wrote an article on the blade selection ("How to determine qualities of the edged weapons", February 8, 1857) in which he strongly advised a buyer who is not experienced in watered (personally, I prefer the term "patterned") crucible steel to buy a regular blade. He reports on being an eyewitness (1846) of the wootz-made blade made by a reputable smith (and extremely expensive) being broken into many pieces by just a gentle flat-hit against a wooden surface of a table! This particular saber was attributed (according to Maksimov) to the "famous Turkish master" and belonged to the Maksimov's friend, son of Shamkhal Tarkovsky who served in His Imperial Majesty Personal Convoy. Now, can we really imagine anybody watching for his blade not to turn flat against the enemy's blade during the battle?!
   
   At last, the author brings us to the Iranian (Persian) watered crucible steel. With numerous sources cited, the author clearly shows the superiority of the Persian watered crucible steel and points us to the centers of its manufacturing.
   
   Finally, we read about pattern-welded Damascus which I am personally not that fascinated with. The author then employs multiple sources to tell us about various and multiple inscriptions that appear on the swords from Persia/Iran.
   
   I am turning the next page - and my breath is taken away by multiple examples of the patterns - although still in black-and-white (I am looking at what I call Volume 1, leaving the rich in colors Volume 2 for the later enjoyment), but regardless of that very impressive. We then see many examples of various blade marks and styles and shapes of shamshirs, some of which look like curved flamboyant swords (the author calls them "serrated"). The blades' inscriptions linked to known smiths' names - and the author refers to the recognized authorities when describing them.
   
   What also grabbed my attention was the chapter dedicated to Persian straight swords which according to the author played a significant role in the history of Iranian arms (a fact I was largely overlooking prior to reading this book!).
   
   Not less attention is given in this book to short-blade weapons such as the qame, khanjar, kard, pishqabz etc.
   
   It is difficult to really stop when reviewing such a high quality book - and I did not cover even half of it! I must put myself into order here and give my overall impression of the book. In short, this book is an unprecedented effort by the author who was given access to many collections that were never before seen by the public. This book however is not just a catalog - it is a thorough analysis of numerous samples of arms and armors that are documented, described with high precision and presented in the highest quality photographs (I again raise my voice in a demand for this book on CD-ROM where one can zoom even closer to some pictures, forgetting about delicious dinner, family duties etc.).
   
   I can clearly see - when comparing Dr. Khorasani's book with other sources (although there is not a single one of the same or even close caliber, both in the number of described items and in the depth and breadth of analysis) that the author's hypotheses are not always following the commonly accepted ones. Therefore, I would not be surprised to see some give this book a "raised eyebrow" - especially from certain respected opponents limited in their access to historical items and to original language sources. I salute Dr. Khorosani for his effort and for bringing to our attention the history, art, and science of Iranian arms and armor.

1 comments about Horses of the German Army in World War II (Schiffer Military History Book).

1. Overall a very good book showing not only the use of horses by the German Wehrmacht in WWII but also detailed explanations and photographs of the equipment used by mounted troops. Of all the books out there covering the German Kavallerie formations, this is one of the top offerings concerning equipment and field gear coverage. Two small shortcomings: 1)The first seven chapters are extracts from US Military History Institute publications although they are still informative and well written. 2) Although most of the modern color photos of equipment is large size and detailed, several are not focused correctly. Other than these two minor issues, I would highly recommend this book for research, hobbyists or collectors.

5 comments about 100 Legendary Knives.

1. The good news: great photos, excellent design. The bad news: absolutely atrocious writing. Pointless captions for every photo. The author states the obvious, gives a tiny bit of background info, raises questions he never answers, and finds a way to say "par excellence" to describe every other knife in this book. Reading this book is like standing next to a guy at a party who jabbers away for three hours and never says anything important. But the photos really are quite nice.



2. This is an excellent book with wonderful illustrations and descriptions. It is not very technical but some of the knife terms used falls strangely on the Anglo ear! My only reserve about the book is that it is too biased towards French knives. Which I suppose is to be expected from a French author. But in this respect the title is slightly misleading. It should rather have read "100 Legendary French Knives - and a few others".



3. If you have any interest in knives or collecting them You will find out exactly how good your taste in knives really is. This book has full page color pics and is a very easy read.You might find yourself buying knives you never heard of or smile when you see how many legendary knives you allready own. How good is your taste in knives?



4. I always have such a hard time buying gifts for men, my father most of all. However, when I saw this book I knew it was for him. He is an avid knife collector, and this is the one thing I could get him that he wouldnt have ever thought of buying for himself. This book will be proudly displayed within all of his collection, and he can pick it up and flip through it anytime he chooses. Thanks



5. Pacella's book 100 Legendary Knives contains excellent photos of exemplary knives of various types, albeit types arbitrarily chosen by him. The pics absolutely make the book worthwhile. However, because of Pacella's arbitrary choices of knives, some of the selected knives are not really "legendary" in any true degree, but simply an example of one of many types of knives. Various of the non-American bladesmiths and certainly most of the examples of French knife makers could have been replaced with more prominent names, most likely American. Of course, having arbitrarily named certain knives as legendary, like the Mississippi Gambler's knife, Pacella immediately opens himself to statements such as mine. It is good to remember that everybody's list of 100 legendary anything is up for discussion and disagreement. As well, the writing style at times creates ridiculous senses of things--"The various periods of prehistory succeeded each other, ..." What is "prehistory," that is, what exact time is before historical reckoning? And, yes, historical delineations of time are usually chronological and therefore do fall one after the other. The pics make the book, and it is well-worth the price only for the pics.