Book Description
"An exciting 'read' combined with the truth behind Hildebrand's story."--Robert W. Mackey, author of The Uncivil War: Irregular Warfare in the Upper South, 1861-1865
"This is a must book for all interested in separating the fact from fiction regarding Civil War guerrilla warfare and those who waged it."--Albert Castel, author of William Clarke Quantrill: His Life and Times
"A superb modern edition of a rare 1870 imprint . . . a vivid impression of a boastfully murderous mentality unique in Civil War historiography."--Michael Fellman, author of Inside War: The Guerrilla Conflict in Missouri During the American Civil War
Customer Reviews:
Autobigraphy of Sam Hildebrand.......2006-03-15
A reprint of the original 1870 Autobiography, it has been reproduced in various formats the last couple decades. Ross has however, for the first time, edited the work that was written for Sam Hildebrand by boyhood friends, James W. Evans and A. Wendell Keith. For the most part, the 172 pages of text is as it was originally compiled. This is followed by endnotes of 90 pages with a bibliography and index. The true value of the book is in the endnotes.
Ross has skillfully researched and compared Hildebrand's claimed exploits with actual military data to prove statements in the Autobigraphy. He has used many obscure sources and obviously contributed much thought into proving the bushwhacker's tales written five years after the War. Hildebrand was not shy in his statements regarding the men he killed and why they met such a fate. Credit is due the author for his research into Missouri's Enrolled Militia units, Hildebrand's most frequent foe, as most writers do not have the tenacity to tackle this very difficult research.
A less researched area is the genealogy aspects of the story. Unfortunately, Hildebrand was not more candid about his family history while it has always held an interest to the genealogist
and casual reader who may claim a kinship to him. The author could have explored Hildebrand and others' genealogy without too much trouble. Some errors exist in not thoroughly scouring local probate, census and land records. Another drawback is the criticism of others' research, which may be valid but takes away from the main theme of the book---that is editing Hildebrand's version of his Civil War.
In conclusion, a very desirable book for the history on Southeast Missouri during the Civil War.
An insightful look into the conflicted life of the Civil War guerrilla fighter Samuel S. Hidebrand.......2006-03-14
Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand: The Renowned Missouri Bushwhacker, deftly edited by journalist and historian Kirby Ross offers an insightful look into the conflicted life of the Civil War guerrilla fighter Samuel S. Hidebrand. As an informative and ably researched interpretation and competently editing of the original memoir, Kirby Ross variably adds key bits of information relevant to our understanding of a Civil War soldier's intricate life. The Autobiography of Samuel S. Hildebrand is highly recommended reading for scholars, historians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in Civil War Studies.
The best of what an edited Civil War memoir can be.......2005-11-25
Although figures such as William C. Quantrill and Bill Anderson are better known today, Sam Hildebrand was an equally notorious Missouri bushwhacker in the southeast region of the state. Operating with a small group of followers (and often by himself), Hildebrand and his rifle "Kill-Devil" were a terror to local Unionist civilians, Vigilance Committee members, and pro-Union Missouri militiamen. Interesingly, some of his ops seem more akin to a Marine scout sniper (albeit alone rather than with a spotter) than a CW bushwhacker. He often scouted alone far from friendly refuge, lying in the woods for days seeking an opportunity to bag his quarry. Hildebrand managed to survive the war only to be killed attempting to escape from court officers holding him on assault charges.
Most 'authors' of edited memoirs simply add background information or short chapters intended to place the memoir in its proper historical context. Here, Kirby Ross has gone far beyond this and has created a book that should be a model for others to follow. It is really two books in one--the memoir and the notes. What makes this new edition important to the study of the Civil War in SE Missouri are the exhaustive notes researched and compiled by Ross. In his notes (which comprise nearly half the book) he takes the claims made by Hildebrand in his book and examines their validity using evidence from all available viewpoints. It is not unusual to see the author spend several pages on a single citation, providing extensive background context and excerpting articles, military reports, and letters from all sides that either support or contradict Hildebrand's story.
It is an impressive effort and is an exceptional addition to the literature of the war in SE Missouri, a place that today carries the deserved reputation of being associated with a dearth of serious scholarship. Ross is certainly doing his part to reverse this unfortunate trend. Highly recommended.
Book Description
This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
Book Description
"This remarkable manual is one of the durable and time-honored mainstays of military wisdom. Even with the new thinking that includes ""Shock and Awe,"" this 1940 manual was sent to Iraq as a needed reference." For fans of the Army, Marines, and followers of the War on Terrorism, this is a needed book.
Customer Reviews:
GOOD BOOK, but VERY POOR BINDING.......2006-12-22
Fascinating book, well written, thoughtful field manual relevant to the history of this type of conflict.
Good historical introduction. I am thankful for its preservation.
Pavillion Press edition is the most poorly bound book I have ever bought.
I thought Gutenburg figured out how to do that job correctly.
Treat it gently as it falls apart in your hands due to poor binding and construction.
Don't even think about opening it flat.
Consider it more as a looseleaf photocopy of a lost text.
Such poor presentation detracts from an otherwise very worthwhile effort.
Proves that counter-insurgency is not new.......2006-05-03
Despite being over sixty years old, the 1940 edition of the USMC's Small Wars Manual remains one of the cornerstone documents for fighting counter-insurgency warfare. Written in a direct style that is absent from today's military documents, the small wars manual covers the art of fighting limited wars from A-Z, to include ambushes, running elections, disarming the population, and dealing with locals. This book is widely used, often imitated, but never beaten. Far from a historical document, the Small Wars Manual remains vital today.
An Old Book but Surprisingly Revelant.......2005-10-26
Between the two world wars the United States sent its military forces to numerous small countries to bolster the US diplomatic efforts. The countries so 'invaded' included virtually every Latin American country and countries as far away as China and the Philippines. In order to have their forces operate, the United States military has to have manuals that define what the forces are going to do.
'Small Wars' are defined in several ways but which do not involve a major effort in regular warfare against a first-rate power. The final manual on the subject was published in 1940, before the concept of small wars was erased by bigger events. After World War II, the manual was not re-written but was reprinted from time to time with the admonition that it should be considered in relation to the time in which it was written.
Now re-published again, the book has been sent to Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries where 'Small Wars' are being fought. It covers every aspect from Strategy to Logistics, from Transportation to small unit tactics. Within the range of subjects covered is Air Trasportation, remember that this was written in 1940. But it also tells you how to load a Browning .30 water cooled machine gun on a pack mule.
This book is obviously not a direct report on what is going on around the world, but it is surprising that so much of the information given here is directly applicable.
Customer Reviews:
Unbelievable.......2004-04-08
The preceding review was written 3.5 years before 9/11, when the U.S. was suddenly thrust into places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Talk about prescience.
Interesting insights into counter-insurgency doctrine........1998-04-21
The history of the Marine Corps is replete with "expeditions": relatively small interventions to protect American life and property in the odd corners of the world.
Finding that they were not retaining the hard-won lessons of previous operations, "Red Mike" Edson (who is, oddly., not credited in the Introduction), and others wrote this encyclopedic guide to every facet of "small wars". They tried to encompass everything: political relationships, logistics, tactics, and useful instruction down to the correct principles for loading pack mules!
Some of the assumptions of the 1930's may jar the sensibilities of the modern reader, but the Manual is a fascinating view into the operations of the Old Corps - and we may some day need the wisdom again.
The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)
Book Description
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular .22-caliber rifles of all time. It is relatively inexpensive, exceptionally reliable and accurate, and easy to work on, and parts are widely available. But as good as these versatile little rifles are, they can be made even better with a little work on their triggers, actions and barrels. This work is easy to do, even for people with little or no machining or gunsmithing experience, and it is inexpensive. And after you have customized your 10/22, why not go the extra step and add a legal suppressor so that you can use your rifle for animal control, in survival situations or just to save your hearing? With this book and very little time, effort and money, you can turn your Ruger 10/22 into the ultimate do-anything weapon.
Customer Reviews:
10/22 mods for the novice gunsmith.......2007-01-12
lots of info and mods for the 10/22. Great manual if you are mechcanically inclined hands on type of shooter.
Ultimate Ruger 10/22 Manual and User's Guide.......2006-11-11
Don't waste you money on this one - not worth it.
A bit of a disappointment..........2006-08-25
Actually, more than a bit. I was looking for an authoritative reference manual, but I got a summary of tweaks and idealogy about silencers as a great idea for pest control.
Reading this book was clearly influenced by my having read "The Gun Digest Book of .22 Rimfire" by James E. House. There is simply no comparison between the two books. Admittedly, the House book is more general in that it covers a wide range of rimfire firearms and does not go into great "tweak" detail. That focus was left to House's new book "Customized the Ruger 10/22" which I should be receiving from Amazon on August 25, 2006.
If House's book on customizing the 10/22 is anywhere near as complete and smartly written as his ".22 Rimfire" book turned out to be, then buying the "Ultimate Ruger 10/22 Manual and User's Guide" will be less valuable than it turned out to be.
Almost great.......2006-07-05
For the $15 and change from Amazon to your mail box, it is a reasonable value. For anyone that has not been in the middle of the Ruger 10/22 action, it is good. If it had two more pictures that I found on the internet, it would border on very good.
The author's (M. White) opinions on bullet stability vs velocity are inconsistent with results I have obtained at the shooting range. He also seems bent on flaunting his class what ever it is FFL and that he can have/manufacture silencers. Unnecessary.
disappointing.......2005-09-03
totally not the information I was seeking. I wanted an easy reference for building a target weapon. this is more into heavy gunsmithing and silencers?
Book Description
This is the book that do-it-yourselfers anxious to try building their own .50-caliber rifles have been demanding since the best-selling Home Workshop .50-Caliber Sniper Rifle videotape first came out. In this companion book, Bill Holmes uses easy-to-follow foldout drawings and precise dimensions to take you step-by-step through the process of designing and constructing your very own .50-caliber rifle easily and inexpensively. Find out this master gun maker's professional secrets to fashioning the receiver, barrel and accessories, bolt, trigger assembly, buttstock, scope mount, bipod and muzzle brake using commonly acquired materials. Once you have made all the component parts, Bill then instructs you in the right way to assemble and test-fire your new home workshop firearm. With Bill Holmes as your guide, construction is a snap. Warning: It is your responsibility to make sure that you have complied with all local, state and federal laws with regard to the manufacture of any firearm.
Customer Reviews:
50 cal. rifle plans.......2007-07-20
I found there is to much missing data, very important data.It is interesting reading material.
Lacking in valuable information.......2007-01-07
This book is incredibly rudimentary. Important information, e.g. the design requirements for the trigger/sear, are sadly lacking. The most disappointing section for me was the section regarding the barrel. The section begins "The barrel can be turned from a commercial blank or made from a surplus military barrel." Perhaps I was expecting too much when I thought that the book would cover the making of the barrel too. Even so, there is no discussion on crowning angle, or even advice on reaming the chamber and achieving the correct headspace. There is better information available on the 'net - take a look at Lilja Precision Rifle Barrels for instance and what Daniel Lilja has written on the subject. How a rifle works can be considered to be pretty simple - and if this book offers anything then it at least offers moral support that building your own rifle is very possible. If you own a lathe and a milling machine, and have a good idea of what is involved in safe mechanical design, then you can probably design and build a decent rifle from information already available for free. Looking at the "Search Inside" pages of Bill Holmes' "Master Gunmaker's Guide to Building Bolt-Action Rifles " I think that this would be a much better buy.
Poor Drawings. Not for a Novice.......2006-12-14
Speaking as someone trained in drafting, I agree with other reviwers that the drawings are pretty poor. Above all, they don't follow normal drafting practice and are confusing even to me. Given enough time, of course, someone familiar with drafting and machine work can figure it out. This is definitely not a book for a novice. In any case, for a general idea on how to build a 50 BMG, the book will at least get one headed in the right direction.
I won't hammer the author's effort too much, since he makes it clear in the intro that he is up in years, almost blind, and has Parkinson's Disease.
More than just a simple set of plans.......2006-11-21
First, at the obvious level, here is a set of plans and a bit of discussion about those plans that will enable you to build a high powered rifle. It shoots the .50 Browning MG round, and is really designed for long range target shooting, say something a mile or so away.
Second, and perhaps even more interesting this gun is really a simple device. Virtually any machine shop can build it if they have even the most rudimentary equipment such as a screw cutting lathe and a milling machine. What this illustrates is just how simple it is to build weapons. Here you have detailed instructions on how to build a weapon that is powerful and accurate enough to seriously hurt an armored car.
Third, this is the kind of gun that the politicians will rant about, even though there has never been any evidence that one has ever been used in a crime. I believe this gun would be illegal in California, and perhaps in other states, just because they are convenient targets for politicians who really don't want guns in anybody's hands.
Thanks to Paladin Press for putting this one out.
If you know how to use a lathe and Vert. Mill You can build a 50........2006-11-18
This is not the easiest read there is but if you can read a how to from a pencil drawing like most customer's ask you to make something from nothing You should be able to build this. Do not let this be your only guide but one of several I did not see the video that goes with this. the drawing and writing leave a lot to be desired For the price it is OK but who knows maybe I will have to write a book towards this area. If you need to have your hand held the whole way you need to do much more than this before taking on this problem.
dray
Book Description
Enthusiasts of the venerable Mosin-Nagant bolt-action rifle, one of the most basic of the Russian and Soviet small arms, will find a wealth of information in the latest Soviet military manual translation by Maj. James F. Gebhardt. The manual, available in English for the first time, covers disassembly and assembly, cleaning and lubricating, and firing for zero at the specified zeroing range of 100 meters. Described in detail are all the steps, procedures and criteria that will ensure proper and safe function of the rifle or carbine. Also included are several data tables describing the ballistic performance of the 148-grain type-1908 projectile and the weight and length of the basic rifle and carbines in various configurations. For those interested in the sniper version of this rifle, an appendix describes both the PE and PU scopes. This is the ultimate source for Mosin-Nagant owners.
Customer Reviews:
Very Useful Manual.......2007-10-13
Major James F. Gebhardt has done a great service for all of us who own samples of the Soviet Mosin-Nagant Infantry Rifle. He's translated a Soviet manual published in Russian in 1961.
This manual concentrates on the operation and maintence of the three most commonly encountered versions of the Mosin-Nagant rifle, the M 91-30, the M-38 and the M-44. These remained in reserve for the Red Army and Warsaw Pact armies until the fall of the Soviet Union.
The original Mosin Nagant was adopted by Imperial Russia in 1891. The Soviets improved the sights and shortened the barrel in 1930 (hence M 91-30) and this is the rifle so prominently featured in the movie ENEMY AT THE GATES (in a scoped sniper version, that is.) The 91-30 is a real piece of history and this manual is very helpful for any shooter or collector.
The M-38 is a short, carbine length version of the M 91-30. It is interesting that the M-38 was not equipped to mount a bayonet despite the Red Army's long association with bayonets. The M-38 was designed primarily for cavalry (horse cavalry) and Red Army cavalrymen all carried sabers eliminating the need for a bayonet.
The M 44 is an M-38 equipped with a folding bayonet permanently attached to barrel. This was developed to meet frontline demands for something that was handier (shorter) for soldiers who increasingly rode on tanks and trucks instead of horses. The longer 91-30s, which were usually carried with the antique looking angular bayonets fixed, were too long for soldiers who spent most of their time riding on tanks or Lend-Lease Studebaker 2.5 ton trucks. The M-44 had the reliability of the familiar M 91-30 and the 44's bayonet could be pivoted so that it rode out of the way next to the barrel.
The old 91-30 bayonets could be difficult to dismount and the Red Army never issued scabbards for them. To keep the soldiers from losing them, or throwing them away, a lot of officers insisted that they be mounted all the time which is not much of a problem if you're marching on foot through open country.
It can be a real headache if you're getting in and out of trucks, or off the rear decks of tanks, however. And, by 1944, most Red Army soldiers rode on some sort of motorized transport. This was a rude suprise to the Wehrmacht and a justification for the M-44 which served during the Red Army's advance into Germany during 1944-45.
This manual would be a great companion to Terence W. Lapin's excellent book, THE MOSIN-NAGANT RIFLE. I gave it five stars.
It is interesting that Lapin translated a 1955 edition of this same Soviet manual and published his version in 1999. The material is the same except that Lapin adds some useful comments of his own.
The title says it all.......2007-08-09
For those of you who have bought a Mosin and want to learn more about maintainence and troubleshooting.
Book Description
This manual shows what is available for this specialized type of military operation and reveals how technology is being called in to assist in what used to be a relatively simple matter of one man and his gun.
Customer Reviews:
Could Be Better.......2001-06-02
A lot of weapons, ammunition, and 'scopes are not included. Important details, such as accuracy and range, are also not included. This book is suitable ONLY for very basic introduction to some sniping rifles. It is NOT suitable for serious researchers who wish detailed information.
Very poor!.......2001-05-23
Mr. Hogg, I was expecting a lot more from you! This book only generally discribes some of the most recent sniper rifles. Very poor descriptions and coverage. From a title like "The World's Sniper Rifles", I was expecting articles on Nazi Sniper Rifles, Argentinian Mauser snipers, turret mounts, Carcano's, Enfield galilean sights, Whisper cartridges, the MacMillan models... Very poor, really. This book is just for the begginer and the person that wants to enter the field. If you are seeking the knowledge of the above subjects, search somewhere else. But hey! It gave me an idea about a book I should write and one that you should buy!! ;-)
The World's Sniping Rifles.......2000-07-01
This book is the absolute best in the area of sniping weapons. The pictures are good, the info is great, and the book is really up-to-date. Truly a good book!
Sniper rifles.......2000-04-25
This book shows almost all of the sniper riffles new and old. this book is Excelent for people in the military escecially USMC. This is great for gun collectors.
Product Description
This electronic book on CD-ROM presents a full reproduction of the historic 1940 Small Wars Manual of the U.S. Marine Corps. When the Department of Defense decided to distribute reprints of this manual, it declared: The purpose is to distribute a reprint of the 1940 edition of the Small Wars Manual as an aid to education and training in the historical approach of Marine Corps units conducting operations in low-intensity conflicts. In the 1930s, such conflicts were referred to as small wars. The Small Wars Manual is one of the best books on military operations in peacekeeping and counterinsurgency operations published before World War II. This manual is published for information only and is not directive in nature. Fifteen chapters in the manual cover the following topics: 1. Introduction Strategy, Psychology, Relationship with the State Department, Chain of Command, Military-Civil Relationship 2. Organization Estimate of the Situation, The staff in small wars, composition of the force 3. Logistics Supply, Transportation (including pack mules, bulls, native packers) 4. Training tactical, rifle company, en route on board ship, in theater of operations, programs and schedules 5. Initial Operations Neutral zones, movement inland, military territorial organization, pacification 6. Infantry Patrols Orders, Instructions, organizing 7. Mounted Detachments animal as expedient, rules for handling animals, stables, grooming, procurement 8. Convoys and Convoy Escorts 9. Aviation bases, airdrome, air operations 10. River operations boats, occupation of a river 11. Disarmament of population collecting arms 12. Armed native organizations constabulary, training. In addition, we have reproductions of over forty military training manuals, field manuals, doctrine, and textbooks related to weapons of mass destruction: nuclear, chemical, and biological threats. Documents in this collection: Chemical Accident Contamination Control; Chemical And Biological Agents; Chemical And Biological Contamination Avoidance; Chemical Operations; Chemical Staff And Units; Civil Disturbance National Guard; Commanders Tactical NBC Handbook; Counter NBC Ops Air Force Doctrine; Dermatology Textbook; Field Behavior Of NBC Agents; Field Hygiene And Sanitation; Field Manual Bio Agent Casualties 2002; Field Mgmt Chem Casualties; First Aid 2002; Health Service Support NBC; Joint Doctrine NBC Operation; Joint Doctrine Nuclear Ops; Joint Doctrine Theater Nuclear Operations; Med Mgmt Bio Casualties 3rd Ed And 4th Ed; Med Mgmt Instructor Guide; Med Mgmt Radiological Casualties 2003; Medical Aspects Of Chemical And Biological Warfare (Two Versions); Medical Consequences Of Nuclear Warfare Textbook; Medical Management Of Blast Injuries; Medical Support Nuclear Chemical; NBC Battlebook; NBC Consequence Management Multiservice; NBC Decontamination; NBC Defense Fixed Sites; NBC Defense Operations; NBC Field Handbook; NBC Protection (Two Titles); NBC Reconnaissance; NBC Vulnerability Analysis; Nuclear Contamination Avoidance; Nuclear Operations Air Force Doctrine; War Psychiatry Textbook; WMD Civil Support Team.
Book Description
Twenty-First Century Small Arms contains the most important weapons currently in use by infantry forces around the world. Developments in engineering and materials have increased the lethality of small arms, resulting in individual soldiers being able to carry weapons that are both lightweight but able to lay down large amounts of firepower against enemy troops at long ranges.
Books:
- Autobiography of Yukichi Fukuzawa
- Behind the Scenes: or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House (Penguin Classics)
- Beyond the Great Story: History as Text and Discourse
- Black Women in America (3 Vol. Set)
- Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys
- Chasin' The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker
- Crazy from the Heat
- Cuba: A Short History (Cambridge History of Latin America)
- Curzon: Imperial Statesman
- Daily Life in Ancient Rome : The People and the City at the Height of the Empire
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Shock Troops of the Confederacy
Civil War on the Missouri-Kansas Border
War Crimes Against Southern Civilians
Sam Hildebrand Guerrilla
Shiloh and the Western Campaign of 1862
