American Rifle

“Marvelous…. Like David McCullough in The Great Bridge, Rose has the rare ability to make technology come alive even for the non-technology-minded. He is not only a good historian but also a gifted storyteller.”—Michael Korda, Washington Post

“Fascinating…. The history of the U.S. is mirrored in the history of one of it technological achievements…. Loaded with detail, full of lively characters and an abundant spirit of invention.  The history of the rifle is also the history of mass production, of American politics, of the legal system, and of war itself.”—Booklist

“Entertaining…. Loaded with facts…. Drawing on numerous primary sources, from letters and journals of ordinary soldiers to the writings of inventors such as Samuel Colt, Rose traces the rise of the rifle from its original use as a hunting tool and a means of defense and protection to its eventual use as an offensive weapon in wars of conquest.”—Publishers Weekly

“One of the most interesting nonfiction books of the year…. packed with fascinating anecdotes … and keen insights into the nexus of civilian politics, business, and the military.”—National Review

“Good reading for those on either side of the gun-control debate….A fascinating story replete with missed opportunities, skulduggery, entrenched dogma and internecine battles.”—Sunday Oregonian

“Ingenious and satisfying…. Provides surprising insight into the country’s history.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Definitive … full of lost historical fact and intriguing anecdotes.”–Sacramento Bee

"Irresistible history…American Rifle, a biography of a revolutionary idea, is ingeniously conceived, deftly written and thoroughly engrossing."—Dallas Morning News