American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms (Large Print)

Description

Chris Kyle-fallen hero and #1 New York Times bestselling author of American Sniper-reveals how ten legendary guns forever changed U.S. history At the time of his tragic death in February 2013, former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the top sniper in U.S. military history, was finishing one of the most exciting missions of his life: a remarkable book that retold American history through the lens of a hand-selected list of firearms. "Perhaps more than any other nation in the world," Kyle writes, "the history of the United States has been shaped by the gun." Drawing on his unmatched firearms knowledge and combat experience, Kyle carefully chose ten guns to help tell his story: the American long rifle, Spencer repeater, Colt .45 revolver, Winchester rifle, Springfield 1903 rifle, Thompson submachine gun, 1911 pistol, M1 Garand, .38 Special police revolver, and the M-16 rifle platform Kyle himself used as a SEAL. Through them, he revisits thrilling turning points in American history, including the single sniper shot that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War, the firearms design that proved decisive at Gettysburg, and the "gun that won the West." Filled with an unforgettable cast of characters, Chris Kyle's American Gun is a sweeping epic of bravery, adventure, invention, and sacrifice. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to under-stand our national story.

SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle (1974-2013) was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and numerous other citations. Following four combat tours in Iraq, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare sniper teams. He is the author of American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms. A native Texan, Kyle is survived by his wife, Taya, and their two children.

"Chris Kyle embodied what it meant to have a heart both strong and soft, and a commitment to country, family, and God. ... Kyle will continue to inspire anyone paying attention to his example." -- Dallas Morning News "Chris Kyle was incredible, the most celebrated war hero of our time, a true American hero in every sense of the word." -- D Magazine "A true hero." -- New York Times "Chris Kyle has done and seen things that will be talked about for generations to come." -- MARCUS LUTTRELL, recipient of the Navy Cross and author of Lone Survivor "A celebration of Kyle's voice and life: It's like sitting down with him in some funky Texas roadhouse just off the interstate after a hot but fulfilling day at the range, ordering up a tableful of Lone Stars and just talking guns for a few hours." -- USA Today "Tells how 10 firearms changed United States history." -- New York Times Book Review "Kyle's enthusiasm for his subject is infectious, and his gift for narrative lends the stories the tension and drama they deserve. ... Regardless of one's views on guns, readers will gain a deeper respect for weaponry and the people tasked with using them." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Kyle's firm grasp of the ten guns selected is combined with a narrative of American soldiers, lawmen, and citizens who used them. ... When you read American Gun you hear the voice, heart, wit, and passion of this self-effacing American hero--one taken from us too soon." -- Mark Keefe, American Rifleman "Chris Kyle knew guns in a way no modern American ever has. ... His book new book details the rifles and pistols wielded by soldiers, police officers, hunters, mobsters and outlaws that most influenced the culture of this nation." -- Daily Mail (London) "A book that every American should read, and it will stand as part of the legacy of one of our nation's greatest heroes." -- American Rifleman A fitting legacy for Chris Kyle. ... American Gun is written with the authority of a subject matter expert and the straight-talking voice of a warrior." -- SOFREP.com "An entertaining gallop through history." -- London Times