Book Review: Handguns of the World by Edward Ezell

Published on September 12, 2013
Duration: 8:09

This video reviews Edward Ezell's 'Handguns of the World,' highlighting its depth as an encyclopedia of handgun development rather than a superficial coffee table book. The book details the evolutionary processes behind iconic firearms like the Colt 1911 and covers a vast range of historical handguns, including revolvers and automatics, organized by country and manufacturer. It's recommended as a comprehensive reference for firearm history enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

Edward Ezell's 'Handguns of the World' is a comprehensive encyclopedia of handgun development, detailing the evolutionary processes and reasons behind design changes for historical pistols and revolvers up to World War II. It features extensive illustrations, diagrams, and covers firearms by country and manufacturer.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Handguns of the World
  2. 00:34Author Edward Ezell's Credentials
  3. 01:04The Bitner Pistol Mention
  4. 01:24Book's Depth and Encyclopedia Format
  5. 01:54Colt 1911 Development Details
  6. 02:41Book Size and Illustrations
  7. 03:20Early History and Revolvers
  8. 03:46Colt Revolver Development
  9. 04:04Interesting and Failed Revolver Ideas
  10. 04:11Bitner Pistol Family
  11. 04:23Borchardt and Luger Chapter
  12. 04:33FN and Browning Chapter
  13. 04:50US Pistol Trials 1907
  14. 05:18Bergmann Pistol History
  15. 05:35Handguns by Country: France, Italy, Britain
  16. 06:01Handguns by Country: Soviet Union, Spain
  17. 06:09Book's Timeframe (Pre-WWII)
  18. 06:19Handguns by Country: Czechoslovakia, Finland, Japan
  19. 06:25Hino Komuro Mention
  20. 06:34Vintage Combat Handgun Pictures
  21. 06:42Handgun Manufacturer and Techniques
  22. 06:57Military Handgun Cartridges
  23. 07:15Final Recommendation and Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Edward Ezell's 'Handguns of the World' stand out from other firearm books?

Edward Ezell's 'Handguns of the World' is distinguished by its depth, functioning more as a well-researched encyclopedia of handgun development rather than a superficial coffee table book. It details the evolutionary processes and reasons behind design changes, offering a comprehensive historical perspective.

What historical periods and types of handguns does 'Handguns of the World' cover?

The book primarily covers handguns up to World War II, focusing on historical revolvers and automatic pistols. It explores their development, including iconic models like the Colt 1911, and organizes information by country and manufacturer.

What kind of illustrations and content can be found within 'Handguns of the World'?

'Handguns of the World' is a substantial 704-page book featuring black and white illustrations, detailed diagrams, patent drawings, and exploded views. It provides in-depth information on firearm development, manufacturing techniques, and military handgun cartridges.

Is 'Handguns of the World' a good resource for learning about the history of specific firearms?

Yes, the book is an outstanding reference for anyone interested in the history of pistols. It meticulously details the development of firearms like the Colt 1911, Borchardt & Luger, FN & Browning, and Bergmann pistols, explaining the 'why' behind design evolutions.

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