Firearms: An Illustrated History

The definitive guide to the history of firearms.

The beautifully photographed catalog tells the story of gun development in striking detail and features stunning close-ups of key weapons, from muskets, pistols, revolvers and rifles to shotguns, machine guns and modern machinery.

Gun, weapon, and military enthusiasts will love the detail in this illustrated guide to guns. Here’s what’s inside:

   • Feature pages capture pivotal moments in gun development that changed the nature of human conflict
   • Double-page-spread articles describe the magic and mystique of the great gunmakers, including Colt, Mauser, Smith, and Wesson
   • Photographic tours showcase the intricate details of key weapons, highlighting ingenious features and intricate craftsmanship

Written by an international team of firearms experts, this fascinating collection features more than 600 weapons and charts the evolution of guns. For over seven centuries, guns have been used for hunting, sport and war. This comprehensive volume gives you access to the world’s greatest collections, gunsmiths, and defining gun and military history moments. 

Firearms: An Illustrated History highlights important moments in gun history from the Chinese discovery of gunpowder to "turning points" like the rifle, with its parallel spiral grooves that make bullets spin and fly straighter. It also showcases iconic firearms such as the Walther PPK self-loading pistol popularised in James Bond films.

This fascinating visual account of firearms is an essential purchase for everyone interested in guns and weaponry.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs