Peacemakers: Arms and Adventure in the American West - Hardcover

Wilson, R.L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0785818928 ISBN 13: 9780785818922

Publisher: Chartwell Books, 2008

Synopsis

In this unique tribute to the West, R. L. Wilson has produced the definitive and most lavishly illustrated book ever on the weaponry of the West and its colorful and intriguing users.

In 320 full color and 215 black and white illustrations, with in depth text and captions, the broad range of arms and users is detailed.  Beginning with Native American primitive weaponry, this book presents a comprehensive panorama from Lewis and Clark and their historic expedition, through subsequent trailblazing explorers, traders and mountain men, to the Army, the gold and silver miners, gunfighters, gamblers, outlaws, frontier madams and their soiled doves, to peace officers, cowboys and ranchers, as well as sodbusters, shopkeepers and the agents of Wells Fargo, hunters and gentlemen sportsmen, Wild West showmen and women, to the Western stars of stage, screen, radio, and television.  A final chapter provides insights and revelations on collecting arms and related treasures of the frontier. 

No book of the West has been so thoroughly researched to produce an unmatched mother lode of exquisitely designed color illustrations.  Drawing upon talents of gifted photographers, and upon archives of period images, the author has assembled the most dramatic and captivating visual collection of historic and priceless Western arms and their users ever published.

The original color photography and the historic period photographic images and art, and film and TV stills create a new and comprehensive look at the West.

These extraordinary, often beautiful illustrations also include hundreds of objects of memorabilia that have their own role in the saga:  Indian artifacts, holsters and cartridge belts, chaps, saddles, boots, and countless other leather goods, military uniforms, gambling equipment, law enforcement badges, headgear, clothing, advertising art and trade cards, show business memorabilia, and much more.  Even frontier architecture is frequently illustrated.

Over 250 private collectors, museums, and historical societies cooperated in the author's far reaching research.  Foremost among these sources is the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, which exhibits an unmatched collection of arms and accoutrements.  Over sixty illustrations were taken of specific arms and memorabilia displayed by that remarkable institution.

The book's large format presents most of these arms in exquisite close ups accompanied by details of their history and significance.  The book's organization provides a unique overview of the original West and the fictional West, the latter serving to keep alive the spirit of romance and adventure.  A selected bibliography and detailed index complete the contents of this landmark tribute to an American phenomenon:  The West.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

torial celebration of the West, lavishly illustrated and unsurpassed in its authenticity: a collector's item for anyone interested in America's Colorful past. From the Lewis and Clark Expedition to today's Western films and videos, here are the arms and adventures who made the Colt, the Winchester, and many oilier marques into American legends. Over 300 color plates, and over 200 black-and-white photos.

About the Author:

R. L. Wilson, historical consultant to the Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc. has aided the various Colt museums in Hartford, Connecticut since 1959, and is a freelance consultant and author in the fields of firearms, collecting, and engraving.  His career began with intern positions at the Royal Armouries, H.M. Tower of London, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Wadsworth Antheneum, where he was appointed curator of firearms in 1962.  He is president of the Armor and Arms Club of New York and has served on advisory boards or as consultant on arms related subjects to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the U.S. Historical Society, the U.S.. Marshals Service, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum.  He also serves on the board of directors of the National Firearms Museum in Washington, D.C. and is consultant on American Arms to Christie's, the international auction house.

Wilson was born in Minnesota and studied history and art as a scholarship student at Carleton College.  A resident of Connecticut, he is the author of more than 25 books and 200 articles on firearms and their embellishment.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chartwell Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0785818928
• ISBN 13: 9780785818922
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 392