Book Review: A Gun For All Nations - the 37mm Gun and Ammunition

Published on May 9, 2013
Duration: 6:17

This video reviews Robert Mamp's book, "A Gun For All Nations: The 37mm Gun and Ammunition Volume 1 (1870-1913)". The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of 37mm guns, including Hotchkiss revolving and quickfire cannons, as well as competitors like Nordenfelt and Maxim guns. While rich in information, the self-published nature leads to a lack of photographs and some editing oversights. The reviewer highlights its value for specialized audiences interested in historical artillery and ammunition.

Quick Summary

"A Gun For All Nations" by Robert Mamp is a specialized book series detailing 37mm guns and ammunition history from 1870-1913. It covers Hotchkiss revolving and quickfire cannons, plus competitors like Nordenfelt and Maxim. While rich in data, it's self-published with typos and lacks photos, using line drawings instead.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Book Title
  2. 00:34Book's Origin & Focus
  3. 00:42Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon
  4. 01:07Hotchkiss Quickfire Cannon
  5. 01:30Mamp's Research & Scope
  6. 01:56Competitor Guns
  7. 02:30Information Value
  8. 02:58Book's Downsides
  9. 03:27Illustrations: Line Drawings vs. Photos
  10. 03:56Technical Details & Patents
  11. 04:31Volume Series & Availability
  12. 05:16Pricing & Ordering Information
  13. 05:41Author's Accomplishment & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "A Gun For All Nations" about?

"A Gun For All Nations" by Robert Mamp is a multi-volume book series that comprehensively details the history, design, and ammunition of 37mm guns, focusing on manufacturers like Hotchkiss and their competitors from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What types of 37mm guns are covered in the book?

The book covers distinct designs such as the Hotchkiss revolving cannon (multi-barrel) and the Hotchkiss quickfire cannon (single-barrel, manually operated). It also discusses competitor guns like Nordenfelt and Maxim (Pom-Pom) automatic 37mm cannons.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Robert Mamp's book?

The book's strength lies in its exhaustive research and coverage of rare information on 37mm guns and ammunition. Its weaknesses include being self-published, leading to numerous typos, a lack of photographs (relying on line drawings), and limited technical/mechanical explanations for some designs.

Where can I purchase "A Gun For All Nations"?

Copies of "A Gun For All Nations" volumes, including Volume 1 and Volume 2, can be purchased postpaid for $72 per volume, typically through specialized firearm book retailers or websites like oldguns.net.

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