Guns on the Early Frontiers: From Colonial Times to the Years of the Western Fur Trade (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)

Great reference book. As others have stated, it was written in 1957, so the prose style is a little awkward when compared to more contemporary works. That said, it's packed with very good information with an almost laserlike focus on the subject material. I purchased this as part of my research efforts into early 19th century American plains migrations and explorations. I am also interested in how the 18th century arms trade between the European powers and the indigenous Americans may have impacted colonization and set the stage for the American Revolution and the War of 1812. I don't think this is emphasized much in history classes any more, but Russell does a good job laying out the efforts England, Spain, France, etc went through to arm the Native Americans via trade muskets.Again, it's sometimes dry but the motivated reader will get much information out of this book.

I teach history, I work as as a docent in a local museum, and I like guns. I remember reading this book years ago in the library and I understand it's been out of print sometime now.I was thrilled to see that it was released for Kindle. And they did a fine job formatting it for this medium. I enjoyed the book immensely. It tells the history of the American journey westward using the weapons that helped win a continent as the backdrop.I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am interested in flintlocks - perhaps my next big hobby - and truly enjoyed the very expert treatment of this influential technology in the book.

Very detailed, scholarly book. Wonderful for serious enthusiasts, not so much for casual reading. The illustrations leave much to be desired, probably because of book size. It would be a great table book with the addition of color illustrations., but still a must for serious collectors

if you study or collect this period you need this book

This is a classic reference book on the guns used in America from the 17th to the mid 19th centuries. It is a MUST HAVE for the new student of firearms history. The documentation is excellent!Some of the illustrations are not up to par, but others are top rate.It belongs on the shelf of museum curators, archeologists, etc.

I found this to be an interesting book on the development of firearms over on this continent integrated with the rest of the world. Interesting portion about Arming the indigenous population and the concerns in doing so that I would not have thought about in today's world. Good companion to any study in early American life.

Excellent history of early American & Canadian guns prior to the Revolution. Includes Dutch, Swedish and French weapons very earlly

Carl Russell has provided the reader with an in depth study of firearms beginning with the first explorers to America;i.e., Spanish ,French,etc. and trade muskets they provided the Indians.Rather than go on ,all I can say is buy a copy and add it to your collection.

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