{"title":"John Bainbridge, Jr.","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the compelling works of \u003cem\u003eJohn Bainbridge, Jr.\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinguished author known for his insightful contributions to the realm of biography and memoir. Bainbridge's meticulous research and engaging storytelling offer readers a captivating glimpse into lesser-known aspects of history and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is \u003cem\u003eGun Barons\u003c\/em\u003e, a fascinating journey into the intriguing history of the firearms industry in America. This book delves into the lives of key figures who shaped this industry, weaving together personal stories and broader historical contexts to create a rich tapestry of insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBainbridge's writing stands out for its clarity and depth, making complex narratives accessible and enjoyable for both casual readers and history enthusiasts alike. His ability to bring historical figures and events to life ensures that every book in his collection is not just informative but also deeply engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're seeking an educational read or simply wish to be whisked away by captivating stories of the past, John Bainbridge, Jr.'s works promise to deliver a rewarding literary experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"gun-barons-by-john-bainbridge-jr-9781785906411","title":"Gun Barons","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis riveting work of narrative history vividly brings to life five charismatic and idiosyncratic men who, living within ninety miles of one another, changed the course of history through the invention and refinement of the repeating firearm—the precursor to today's automatic weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese men are now household names: the huckster and hard-living Samuel Colt; the seemingly dull but cunning former shirt-maker Oliver Winchester; the constant tinkerer Horace Smith; the resilient and innovative businessman Daniel Wesson; and the skinny abolitionist Christopher Spencer. We follow these men as they compete ferociously, each trying to corner the market for repeating weapons in the years leading up to the outbreak of the American Civil War and during the war itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these innovators had difficulty securing government contracts for their weapons during the war (American government agents believed that repeating weapons 'used too much ammunition'), they were forced to ply their wares directly to soldiers—sometimes just as the soldiers walked into battle. These guns were fast and powerful: Winchester's 'Henry' rifle fired sixteen shots without reloading at a time when most enemies could fire only two muzzle-loaded shots. When these weapons quickly became coveted possessions, both during the Civil War and then in the conquering of the West, America's often disastrous romance with personal ownership of repeating weapons was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46843872215276,"sku":"9781785906411","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23678943482823.jpg?v=1758817245"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/john-bainbridge-jr.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}