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Title: The Illustrated Directory of Guns by David Miller

Overview: "The Illustrated Directory of Guns" is a comprehensive reference book written by David Miller, a technical expert who has fired many of the guns featured in the book. The book is part of the Illustrated Directory series and serves as a collector's guide to over 1,500 military, sporting, and antique firearms.

Key Themes:

  1. Historical Coverage: The book spans five centuries of small arms development, covering a wide range of firearms from early historical periods to modern times.
  2. Global Manufacturing: It includes a diverse assemblage of weapons from major manufacturing countries around the world.
  3. Detailed Illustrations: The book is lavishly illustrated with clear, detailed photographs and text, making it accessible to both enthusiasts and non-experts.
  4. Comprehensive Sections: The book is organized into separate sections for different types of firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns (both military and sporting), machine guns, and submachine guns.

Plot Summary: The book provides a detailed and historical account of various firearms. Each entry includes specifications such as type, origin, caliber, and size. The text is complemented by timelines and historical facts, making it a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts.

Critical Reception:

  • Positive Reception: The book has been praised for its comprehensive coverage and excellent illustrations. Reviewers have noted that the book is a necessary addition to any enthusiast's library, despite minor issues like typos.
  • Comprehensive but Not Perfect: One reviewer mentioned that while the book is very comprehensive, it has some glaring omissions, such as the Walther P99 auto pistol, which was introduced in the late 1990s.

Publication Details:

  • Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing (as mentioned in NewSouth Books).
  • Pages: 512 pages packed with information and photographs.
  • Publication Year: The exact publication year is not specified in the sources, but it is mentioned that the book was published around 2000.

Overall, "The Illustrated Directory of Guns" by David Miller is a highly detailed and historically rich guide that is essential for anyone interested in firearms, whether they are collectors, historians, or enthusiasts.