What's Currently on Your Reading List?

[cudgee]

Yup, yer spot on at that mate .

Building up my tolerances to tackle war and peace...

Good luck with that, it beat me.

Haha, I've been on chapter three for about 25 years.

[WillyCamaro]

Good luck with that, it beat me.

Haha, I've been on chapter three for about 25 years.

[Mumbleypeg]

Starting this one. Biography of Samuel Colt.

Ken

Cool! Let us know what you think when you finish.

Since you asked, I wouldn’t waste money on it again. Interesting to read and a lot of fascinating info about Colt and his family fraught with a lifetime of misfortune. Colt understood machinery, innovated the concept of interchangeable parts in manufacturing, a revolutionary concept at the time. However at least according to this author Samuel Colt, although an inventor, innovator and fiercely competitive man, was a scoundrel responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans, Mexicans and many others.

He concludes Colt, by fortunate happenstance invented the revolver just in time for America’s westward expansion, the American Civil War and subsequent Indian Wars, which in turn made him rich through selling thousands of guns to the government and civilians (one did not go West without a Colt revolver, or two.). The author grudgingly admits if Colt had not invented the revolver someone else would have (in fact he was in near-constant fight for years to defend his patents). Says Colt’s widow spent years after his death promoting and protecting her deceased husband’s image. Ultimately implies guns are the root of all evil and Sam Colt was a foremost enabler. If that’s your thing maybe you’d enjoy it.

Ken

[Steve Warden]

Ultimately implies guns are the root of all evil and Sam Colt was a foremost enabler. If that’s your thing maybe you’d enjoy it.

Ken

Thanks for the review. Nope. Not my thing.

[Steve Warden]

I've never read anything by Johnstone, but whenever I go to the Westerns section of Barnes and Noble, there's always 2-3 dozen titles by theses two. Louis L'amour has maybe half a dozen. Thought I'd give it a try.

Side note, I subscribed for TRUE WEST magazine. They said, "Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery." Reminded me of the advertisements in comic books back in the late 60s, early 70s for the x-ray glasses and such, "Please allow..."
But I get it. They put out only 10 issues a year, and if I'm ordering during on off month...

[Paladin]

Elmer Kelton. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_Kelton If you’re not familiar with him and enjoy Westerns you should give him a try. However he’s not a “shoot em up” type. In fact in most of his books not a shot is fired. One critic described him as not writing westerns, but rather writing great novels set in the West. Typically Kelton takes a little-known historical event and writes a novel around it as the central theme.

For openers try The Day the Cowboys Quit, which is based around the late 1800’s cowboy strike against large ranchers. Or The Good Old Boys, set during the coming of barbed wire and end of the open range.

Kelton was born and raised on a Texas ranch where his father was the foreman. Many of his stories contain elements of stories and events told to him by working cowboys.

Ken

Going to crack my first Kelton novel, right after I make this post.
20200321_145455.jpg

At some point, work The Time It Never Rained into your Kelton reading. It is about the drought of the 1950s and since I lived thru that one, I found it to be very interesting.
As I recall, Kelton was the Farm and Ranch editor of the San Angelo Standard Times newspaper at the time.

Ray

[Mumbleypeg]

The Time It Never Rained is a classic indeed. One of the best novels I’ve read (read it at least twice). But it’s certainly not a “Western” as most would think of it. Kelton was indeed the farm and ranch editor of the newspaper, and also editor of Livestock Weekly so he knew well the lives of the people he wrote about in that novel.

At least one critic put the book in his top twenty novels written by an American author in the twentieth century.

Ken

[zzyzzogeton]

I am currently re-reading the 118 volumes of the Perry Rhodan saga that was translated from German to English back in the 1968 to 1978 time frame. Unfortunately, the translator and ACE books got into a disagreement and the project fizzled.

The German series is now way up into the thousands of volumes. They are published in German in the way the old fanzines of the 1930s and 40s was written - about 100 pages in length each. Kinda like the movie serials ala Flash Gordon, The Perils of Pauline, Dick Tracy, Zorro, several Tarzan serials and a plethora of western adventures.

[Mumbleypeg]

Side note, I subscribed for TRUE WEST magazine. They said, "Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery." Reminded me of the advertisements in comic books back in the late 60s, early 70s for the x-ray glasses and such, "Please allow..."
But I get it. They put out only 10 issues a year, and if I'm ordering during on off month...

Glad to see you subscribed. Be sure to take advantage of one of the subscription perks, which is on-line access to every back issue. You have to set up an online account, then log in, which gets you access. You can spend hours there exploring, reading and learning. Just like old threads on AAPK. Here’s an example of the content from the Feb 2018 issue.

Ken

https://truewestmagazine.com/article/ho ... ight-look/

[Steve Warden]

Side note, I subscribed for TRUE WEST magazine. They said, "Please allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery." Reminded me of the advertisements in comic books back in the late 60s, early 70s for the x-ray glasses and such, "Please allow..."
But I get it. They put out only 10 issues a year, and if I'm ordering during on off month...

Glad to see you subscribed. Be sure to take advantage of one of the subscription perks, which is on-line access to every back issue. You have to set up an online account, then log in, which gets you access. You can spend hours there exploring, reading and learning. Just like old threads on AAPK. Here’s an example of the content from the Feb 2018 issue.

Ken

https://truewestmagazine.com/article/ho ... ight-look/

I mentioned I have a few issues from the past?
I have the one that article was in! Feb 2018, and I've slept since then, so forgot I had it.

It clicked when I saw the cover associated with your link.

[cudgee]

What is True West magazine, it does look interesting. What is the context of it, is it feature articles, factual historical, i am intrigued.

[Mumbleypeg]

What is True West magazine, it does look interesting. What is the context of it, is it feature articles, factual historical, i am intrigued.

Here’s the magazine’s own description.

True West captures the spirit of the West with authenticity, personality and humor by providing a necessary link from our history to our present.

The magazine has typically well written articles about historical events including newly discovered facts and research. Covers history of the American West (basically everything West of the Mississippi River), from aboriginal peoples to current day, their clothing, equipment, weapons, and customs. Reviews of newly published books about the West, both historical and fictional, movies, television, museums, art, western artifacts, auctions, etc. It has been in continuous publication since 1953. The magazine’s archive of historical photographs, newspapers and other sources is beyond amazing.

Here’s a link to their website. You can see excerpts from the current issue there. https://truewestmagazine.com/

Ken

[cudgee]

What is True West magazine, it does look interesting. What is the context of it, is it feature articles, factual historical, i am intrigued.

Here’s the magazine’s own description.

True West captures the spirit of the West with authenticity, personality and humor by providing a necessary link from our history to our present.

The magazine has typically well written articles about historical events including newly discovered facts and research. Covers history of the American West (basically everything West of the Mississippi River), from aboriginal peoples to current day, their clothing, equipment, weapons, and customs. Reviews of newly published books about the West, both historical and fictional, movies, television, museums, art, western artifacts, auctions, etc. It has been in continuous publication since 1953.

Here’s a link to their website. You can see excerpts from the current issue there. https://truewestmagazine.com/

Ken

Thanks, you're a good man. Looks really interesting. I do not trust post coming from other side of the planet, otherwise i would subscribe. I get really nervous if i have a knife coming, that is why i have curtailed my purchasing, the stress is too much.

[Steve Warden]

What is True West magazine, it does look interesting. What is the context of it, is it feature articles, factual historical, i am intrigued.

Here’s the magazine’s own description.

True West captures the spirit of the West with authenticity, personality and humor by providing a necessary link from our history to our present.

The magazine has typically well written articles about historical events including newly discovered facts and research. Covers history of the American West (basically everything West of the Mississippi River), from aboriginal peoples to current day, their clothing, equipment, weapons, and customs. Reviews of newly published books about the West, both historical and fictional, movies, television, museums, art, western artifacts, auctions, etc. It has been in continuous publication since 1953.

Here’s a link to their website. You can see excerpts from the current issue there. https://truewestmagazine.com/

Ken

Thanks, you're a good man. Looks really interesting. I do not trust post coming from other side of the planet, otherwise i would subscribe. I get really nervous if i have a knife coming, that is why i have curtailed my purchasing, the stress is too much.

There is a digital version you can subscribe to. That way you don't have to worry about the post.

[cudgee]

Here’s the magazine’s own description.



The magazine has typically well written articles about historical events including newly discovered facts and research. Covers history of the American West (basically everything West of the Mississippi River), from aboriginal peoples to current day, their clothing, equipment, weapons, and customs. Reviews of newly published books about the West, both historical and fictional, movies, television, museums, art, western artifacts, auctions, etc. It has been in continuous publication since 1953.

Here’s a link to their website. You can see excerpts from the current issue there. https://truewestmagazine.com/

Ken

Thanks, you're a good man. Looks really interesting. I do not trust post coming from other side of the planet, otherwise i would subscribe. I get really nervous if i have a knife coming, that is why i have curtailed my purchasing, the stress is too much.

There is a digital version you can subscribe to. That way you don't have to worry about the post.

Thanks for that, i did see that, but i do not get the enjoyment that i get from sitting down and reading something i am holding. I cannot even start to read a digital book, sounds old fashioned i know, but old habits die hard. I subscribed to a digital magazine last year but cancelled after 2 editions and paid the extra for a hard copy. One thing about a hard copy is that you can go back to a previous article or page for reference, i can remember where what i want to reference was. I am not tech savy and find this very difficult and time consuming online. I just like the feel of something i am reading in my hand, but thanks for your thoughts and advise.

[Steve Warden]

Thanks for that, i did see that, but i do not get the enjoyment that i get from sitting down and reading something i am holding. I cannot even start to read a digital book, sounds old fashioned i know, but old habits die hard. I subscribed to a digital magazine last year but cancelled after 2 editions and paid the extra for a hard copy. One thing about a hard copy is that you can go back to a previous article or page for reference, i can remember where what i want to reference was. I am not tech savy and find this very difficult and time consuming online. I just like the feel of something i am reading in my hand, but thanks for your thoughts and advise.

Hey, I'm right there with you. I much prefer reading from a hard copy.
And as far as remembering where it is you want to reference, I can relate to that, also.
For many Bible verses, I may not know the book, chapter and verse I specifically want, but many, many times I'm pretty close knowing general local, such as "right page, left column, about 1/3 of the way down" to get what I want!

[cudgee]

Thanks for that, i did see that, but i do not get the enjoyment that i get from sitting down and reading something i am holding. I cannot even start to read a digital book, sounds old fashioned i know, but old habits die hard. I subscribed to a digital magazine last year but cancelled after 2 editions and paid the extra for a hard copy. One thing about a hard copy is that you can go back to a previous article or page for reference, i can remember where what i want to reference was. I am not tech savy and find this very difficult and time consuming online. I just like the feel of something i am reading in my hand, but thanks for your thoughts and advise.

Hey, I'm right there with you. I much prefer reading from a hard copy.
And as far as remembering where it is you want to reference, I can relate to that, also.
For many Bible verses, I may not know the book, chapter and verse I specifically want, but many, many times I'm pretty close knowing general local, such as "right page, left column, about 1/3 of the way down" to get what I want!

[jerryd6818]

Cudgee. you and me mate. I read a lot and have tried online. It doesn't work for me.

[WillyCamaro]

I'm with you dudes. Give me a good ole book, or magazine, any day, and i'll be as happy as a clam. I don't process info I read online, nearly as well, as when i'm holding actual pages in my hands. Guess I ain't the only one out there, that's the same .

[cudgee]

I'm with you dudes. Give me a good ole book, or magazine, any day, and i'll be as happy as a clam. I don't process info I read online, nearly as well, as when i'm holding actual pages in my hands. Guess I ain't the only one out there, that's the same .

Mate, for me reading is about the whole experience, the enjoyment,pleasure,relaxation gaining of knowledge the whole thing, screens do not do that for me. And you certainly are not the only one,trust me, not by along way. Take care.

[Paladin]

Here is something new,,, If any of you try it out, be sure to give us a review.

Something different for the knife community--
an exciting novel with a knife dealer as the central character!
Announcing "The Carolyn Factor"
by J. J. Bruce (Voyles)
With special savings for America's Knife Auctioneers Customers--Autographed Copies, unavailable anywhere else!
"First and foremost a thriller, with danger and duplicity around every turn. There is plenty of cloak and dagger...The author doesn't stint on the auction...Bruce weaves a lean narrative with few wasted words in his fast paced tale..."
Kirkus Reviews


Retail is $16.99 for softcover $25.00 for hardcover, unautographed, but, with this one time offer you can get an autographed copy at the exclusive rate of $12.99 for softcover or $21.00 for hardcover.

If you prefer to download the book as an ebook, it is available on Amazon for $3.60, with a preview of the early chapters. Click here to order and download the ebook version.

And, if you win a bid in Auction 121 closing August 25, we will add the book to your shipment at no extra charge.
Some Excerpts from "The Carolyn Factor":

Chapter 1
Dilemma: Choosing between two unfavorable alternatives.
My dilemma was picking which of the two men standing before me I must shoot first.
The one on the left, tall, hawk-faced with a scar down his left cheek and a tattoo up his neck, or the thick man on the right, his eyes squinted into narrow slits. Both held drawn pistols at their side.
My decision was complicated by the Glock 43 in my grip was still inside my jacket pocket. The round chambered would fire-and the slide would cycle back, trying to flick out the empty brass, but the folds of the pocket would push the brass back into the chamber as the slide slammed forward, tangling with the new round attempting to feed into the empty barrel. A jam.
A jam that could only be cleared by withdrawing the pistol and jacking the slide, hopefully allowing gravity to clear the chamber and dropping the empty brass and the live round now jammed to the pavement, allowing a new live round to feed and be ready for the second shot. It takes time. Too much time.
During that time either of the men I did not shoot would have time, maybe a lifetime, to raise the pistol in his hand at his side and fire before I could clear my weapon. At 10-feet he could not miss. Who would be the slower to react?
A dilemma whose decision time was down to milliseconds. I locked eyes and caught one man's eyes widen-the choice made. The only sound I could hear was my heart. Kawhump. And it began, slower than slow motion. I saw his eyes widen more and heard another heartbeat. Kawhump.
This was nothing I had envisioned in my worst nightmare, but here it was. I am not sure I heard my shot, but as my small cylinder of jacketed lead bore through my jacket and onward to its intended target, before I knew if my gambit was even half effective, the rush of events that had brought me to this point flashed through my mind like an hour long movie crammed into a half-second, before I heard my next heartbeat, the reason I was here was a single name whispering in neon. Carolyn.
***
"Discretion was indeed required. Speria had accumulated one of the largest collections of fine elephant ivory handmade knives in the world, carved ivory Randall knives by Tom Leschorn, scrimshawed ivory handled knives by Bob Engnath and even a dozen ivory knives by Buster Warenski, Bob Loveless, and Jess Horn that he had commissioned. What made them even more unique was Speria, a serious art buyer as well, commissioned a few of the leading painters in the art world to scrim the ivory handles of his knives."
***
"Japanese swords are not a specialty of mine, but I do have a working knowledge. My first introduction was at a South Carolina knife and gun show and a gray-haired man walked by with a sword on his shoulder. My tablemate was a wheeler-dealer. "How much on the Samurai?" he asked. The man stopped and approached the table. I could see the tsuba was gold but remained silent.
"Five hundred dollars," he said."
***
"Carolyn gave a soft laugh. "OK." I went into my room and packed my own bug out bag, putting in the Glock 22 and four clips, jeans, cap, reversible workout tee, jacket, and a wicked sharp dagger handmade by Daniel Winkler from Blowing Rock. The knife was an old reliable friend dating back to the Helmed"
***
"I knew he had paid over $200,000 for a knife attributed to Jim Bowie's brother Rezin, because I had sold it to him--for cash without filling out the government paperwork. And even more important, I trusted him."

***
"He raised his pants leg over his prosthesis, unsnapped a compartment where his calf would be, placed my Daniel Winkler dagger inside and closed it back, replacing his pants leg. "Damn near forgot the dagger I normally carry there when I was heading for the plane this morning," he laughed. "Had to go back to the car and put the knife under the seat."

Ready to read the rest? Order now!
.
Order direct from the author
J. Bruce Voyles
P. O. Box 22007
Chattanooga, TN 37422
423-238-6753
email [email protected]

[Steve Warden]

This is a collection of three "magazine novels" L'amour wrote back in his days of writing for pulp western magazines before actually writing novels. He revised and expanded the works into fuller-length novels.
This contains THE TRAIL TO CRAZY MAN, RIDERS OF THE DAWN, and SHOWDOWN ON THE HOGBACK.

[bighomer]

Love ole Louie Sarge, have most all of them in a plastic tote and have read each one several times. In my younger years I read mostly westerns by all the ole masters.
Got to get started on this one in a day or two.

[Mumbleypeg]

About finished with this one I picked up at the used book store. Good read. Not much new for those who know the facts of the story, but the author lays out the events leading up to and following “the gunfight” more concisely than anyone I’ve read previously. Explains the motives, politics and personalities of the characters involved, and how they created the incident that made history. Also of interest is how competing newspapers report, distort, and sensationalize “news” accounts of the same events.

Ken

[Steve Warden]

About finished with this one I picked up at the used book store. Good read. Not much new for those who know the facts of the story, but the author lays out the events leading up to and following “the gunfight” more concisely than anyone I’ve read previously. Explains the motives, politics and personalities of the characters involved, and how they created the incident that made history. Also of interest is how competing newspapers report, distort, and sensationalize “news” accounts of the same events.

Ken

I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. I have and enjoyed "Dodge City" by Tom Clavin. Also have "Wild Bill" by him. Probably my next read.