American Shooter: A Personal History of Gun Culture in the United States

Description

Gun ownership has long been a hot-button topic in the United States, and the National Rifle Association has the reputation of being an organisation of primarily politically conservative members. American Shooter provides a unique look at gun ownership, handgun bans, shooting sports, and the controversy over how to interpret the Second Amendment from the point of view of a liberal gun owner and enthusiast. Gerry Souter examines the history of firearms in the United States, from the settlers who carried matchlock muskets ashore at Jamestown to the citizens who purchase guns in record numbers today. Recent Supreme Court decisions that uphold the right to bear arms have galvanised citizens on both sides of the debate, making the gun issue hotter than ever. To provide a personal view, Souter weaves in tales of his own experiences with guns, including sport shooting as a young man, hunting and bonding with his father, and facing the smoking end of a muzzle as an international photojournalist. American Shooter is both a history and a personal journey that traces the path of American gun ownership culture from the Revolution to today. It recounts how the country has lived with guns from the flintlock hung over the fireplace to the concealed-carry, laser-sighted Glock semiautomatic pistol tucked away in the hidden pocket of a mom's purse.

GERRY SOUTER attended the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago. He has worked as an art teacher, a security guard for the Arizona State Guard and Detective Agency, a rifle instructor, and an Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Merchant Marine. He and his wife, Janet, have authored and co-authored more than forty nonfiction books in the areas of history, biography, young adult, art, military history, business, and the Internet. Recent titles include The Chicago Air and Water Show: A History of Wings above the Waves (History Press, 2010), The Vietnam War Experience (Carlton Books, 2008), and Military Rifles - Fierce Firepower (Enslow, 2006). They live near Chicago.

"An informative and enjoyable excursion both historical and personal. Souter sets out the problem of the polarization in public debate about guns. He seeks to separate 'myths and truth' and 'insights and blunders.' This book is not about the Second Amendment controversy. Yet Souter explores the nature of our gun culture and how deeply ingrained it is, both personally and individually, and broadly throughout American society."--From the foreword by Gordon Morris Bakken, professor of history, California State University, Fullerton--Gordon Morris Bakken -An informative and enjoyable excursion both historical and personal. Souter sets out the problem of the polarization in public debate about guns. He seeks to separate 'myths and truth' and 'insights and blunders.' This book is not about the Second Amendment controversy. Yet Souter explores the nature of our gun culture and how deeply ingrained it is, both personally and individually, and broadly throughout American society.---From the foreword by Gordon Morris Bakken, professor of history, California State University, Fullerton--Gordon Morris Bakken