From Library Journal
For the gun enthusiast, nothing quite catches the eye like an exquisitely engraved and inlaid pistol or long-arm. Wilson, the author of nearly two dozen firearms-related titles, here offers a detailed chronicle of the true art of gun engraving in the United States. Wilson's history actually predates Colonial times, beginning with early English and European attempts at engraving with wheel-locks and flintlocks as far back as the 1500s. Most of the book, however, covers American arms with an emphasis on Colt single-action handguns, Winchester repeating rifles, and monstrous Sharps buffalo guns, with a few knives and swords added for ballast. The text is well detailed and readable, but the main feast here is the hundreds of glorious color photographs. Though the book is expensive, libraries with large hunting/shooting collections won't want to miss this sumptuous volume. Art collections may also wish to consider. Recommended.?Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

Wilson offers the first book on the extraordinary spectacle of America's finest firearms from the mid-1700s until today. Here in full color are exquisite engravings, gold, silver and platinum inlays, intricately carved mother-of-pearl and ivory--craftsmanship which rivals any other field of decorative arts.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Presented here for the first time is the breathtaking panorama of America's extraordinary engravers and embellishers of arms, from the 1700's to modern times, with an introductory overview of the brilliant European antecedents and concurrent influences. Steel Canvas features works of decorative art by Tiffany & Co. and extraordinary engravings by the likes of Gustave Young and A. A. White, as well as creations by leading gunmakers from the Kentucky longrifles to Colt, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, Remington, Marlin, Ruger, Sharps, Deringer, and many, many more - even the legendary Bowie knives and silver-mounted tomahawks, and presentation swords so elaborate as to be termed "male jewelry." Contemporary English and continental arms, made for the American market, add to the splendor of this comprehensive volume.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

LJ's reviewer originally hailed these stunning, photo-rich firearms/Western histories as "expensive" but "sumptuous." Now, however, they are just sumptuous, as the original $65 price is more than halved. Put these true beauties in your sights. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal