Steve Helsley – författare

Ernest Hemingway's friend AE Hotchner once described a 'yellowed four-by-five picture of Ernest', shown to him by Hemingway, 'aged five or six, holding a small rifle. Written on the back in his mother's hand was the notation, "Ernest was taught to shoot by Pa when 2.5 years and when 4 could handle a pistol".'Firearms and shooting infused Hemingway's existence and thus his writing. He was a member of his high school gun club and went to war when he was eighteen. he hunted elk, deer, and bears in the American West and went on two extended African safaris, which figured hugely in his writing and changed his life. To the day of his death, Hemingway remained an avid hunter, first-class wingshot, and capable rifleman.Following years of research from Sun Valley to Key West and from Nairobi, Kenya, to Hemingway's home in Cuba, this volume significantly expands what we know about Hemingway's shotguns, rifles, and pistols — the tools of the trade that proved themselves in his hunting, target shooting, and in his writing. Weapons are some of our most culturally and emotionally potent artifacts. The choice of gun can be as personal as the car one drives or the person one marries — another expression of status, education, experience, skill, and personal style. Including short excerpts from Hemingway's works, these stories of his guns and rifles tell us much about him as a lifelong expert hunter and shooters, and as a man.

Ernest Hemingway is a mythic writer and alpha male. As a hunter and conservationist, he drew greatly from the strong example of Theodore Roosevelt, and he much enjoyed teaching newcomers to shoot and hunt. Including short excerpts from Hemingway's works, these stories of his guns and rifles tell us as much about him as a lifelong, expert hunter and shooter and as a man.

The first of a three-volume series, this book is aimed at young readers interested in guns and shooting but who have no background in firearms and don’t know where to begin. Thoroughly illustrated with drawings and photos, it defines firearms terms, provides hands-on advice about using and maintaining guns, and explains aspects of shooting ranging from historic target matches to military sniping. Through example and anecdote, the book emphasizes safety and proper usage, and everything is presented in easily managed portions that can be read in series or singly—backed up with an index and suggestions for further reading.

The second of a three-volume series, this book is aimed at parents whose children have read The Gun Book for Boys and want to get started shooting. It is a straightforward treatment of the “adult” concerns about firearms and shooting, from safety and legal issues to costs, potential pitfalls and benefits. It answers questions such as how to buy a gun and store it safely, where to shoot, and how to assess a child’s behavior with guns. For background and additional information, it is recommended that parents read The Gun Book for Boys as well.

This third installment in the popular series of practical books about guns and shooting is aimed at women of all ages—the fastest-growing segment of the sport—and it couldn’t come at a better time. America and firearms literally grew up together, but today guns are often simply linked to crime and violence; gun control has become a polarizing political issue; and misinformation about firearms is spreading. Now three experts have tackled the subject in a series of books that explores the realities of guns and shooting and sets the record straight about some common misconceptions. On the heels of The Gun Book for Boys and The Gun Book for Parents, The Gun Book for Girls is for girls (and women) interested in guns and shooting but who have little or no background in firearms. Through example and anecdote, the book emphasizes safety and proper usage, and it defines terms and provides hands-on advice about using and maintaining guns. It also covers firearms, shooting methods, clothing and accessories for women, profiles females who shoot and who work in the gun trade, and discusses the issues around guns for self-defense (a topic of special interest to women). Like the other two titles, this book is non-political and written in an easy-to-understand conversational tone. Each book is thoroughly illustrated, and content is presented in easily managed portions that can be read in series or singly, all backed up with an index.

This third installment in the popular series of practical books about guns and shooting is aimed at women of all ages—the fastest-growing segment of the sport—and it couldn’t come at a better time. America and firearms literally grew up together, but today guns are often simply linked to crime and violence; gun control has become a polarizing political issue; and misinformation about firearms is spreading. Now three experts have tackled the subject in a series of books that explores the realities of guns and shooting and sets the record straight about some common misconceptions. On the heels of The Gun Book for Boys and The Gun Book for Parents, The Gun Book for Girls is for girls (and women) interested in guns and shooting but who have little or no background in firearms. Through example and anecdote, the book emphasizes safety and proper usage, and it defines terms and provides hands-on advice about using and maintaining guns. It also covers firearms, shooting methods, clothing and accessories for women, profiles females who shoot and who work in the gun trade, and discusses the issues around guns for self-defense (a topic of special interest to women). Like the other two titles, this book is non-political and written in an easy-to-understand conversational tone. Each book is thoroughly illustrated, and content is presented in easily managed portions that can be read in series or singly, all backed up with an index.

It’s a simple fact: Guns are part of America. Guns enabled the Pilgrims to stay in the New World. The first shots of the American Revolution were fired when British troops tried to seize Colonists’ guns, powder and shot. America’s Industrial Age was spurred by gunmakers and the need to better equip soldiers. The Wild West was settled by ranchers, miners, traders, fur trappers and farmers, whose guns fed and protected them and their families. America and firearms literally grew up together, but now some people only equate guns with crime and violence. Gun control has become a polarizing political issue, and misinformation about firearms is spreading, intentionally and unintentionally, far and wide. Now three experts are tackling the subject in a series of highly accessible books that explores the realities of firearms and debunks common misunderstandings. The books are non-political, and information is delivered in an easy-to-understand, conversational style. The Gun Book for Boys is the first in the series, and it is intended for boys (and girls) ages 12 – 16 who are interested in guns and shooting, but who have no family members to teach them. Examples and anecdotes emphasize safety and proper usage, and the book defines terms, provides hands-on advice about using, maintaining and safely storing guns, debunks myths, delves into history, and explains topics ranging from target shooting to hunting to military sniping. Everything is thoroughly illustrated and presented in easily managed portions that can be read in series or individually. The book also has an index, suggestions for other “must-have” gun books and a comprehensive bibliography.