Book: Parker-America's Finest Shotgun

[B. Dudley]

The truth can hurt...

Read the interview with Peter Johnson that was written in DGJ years ago about his writing of the book and the extent of his research.

This is eye opening to say the least

[Grouse28]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

The truth can hurt...

Read the interview with Peter Johnson that was written in DGJ years ago about his writing of the book and the extent of his research.

This is eye opening to say the least

What issue was that interview in?

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by David Gehman

What issue was that interview in?

Forgive me, I do not know off the top of my head. The article was titled “An interview with Peter Johnson”. At least as I recall.

I do not have the first reader. It was not in the second reader. So it is either before or after the timeframe of the second DGJ reader/index. Maybe someone can check reader number 1 if they have it.?


Johnson’s major contribution was being “the first” to draw public attention to Parker guns in the form of a book. And to help kickstart the collector interest.

I have said before when the topic has come up in regards to the books on Parkers. For new people looking to learn and read about Parkers, In my opinion the best book for that person is Muderlak’s “Old Reliable”. It is affordable, has great photography and good information that is, for the most part, accurate.

Obviously The Parker Story is the definitive work. It is nearly 20 years old at this point and new things have come to light since that time even as well. So nothing is ever set in stone. But it is, and will be for a long time, considered the be-all end-all. But... it is expensive. Too much for the average beginner enthusiast to just buy on a whim.

Johnsons book is certainly a must read for a Parker collector, but Keeping in mind the time is was written and that it is loose on accuracies as we know them today.

[Garth Gustafson]

[QUOTE=Brian Dudley;285779]Forgive me, I do not know off the top of my head. The article was titled “An interview with Peter Johnson”. At least as I recall.

I do not have the first reader. It was not in the second reader. So it is either before or after the timeframe of the second DGJ reader/index. Maybe someone can check reader number 1 if they have it.

The Peter Johnson interview by Destry and Ed Muderlak was in the Spring 2005 issue of DGJ

[Kensal Rise]

Associate Nick de Guerre's rabid post piqued my curiosity.

So... I went to Amazon and searched for any book he's ever written. Gun book or not.

I came up with nothing.

Just sayin'...

[Bruce Day]

The Peter Johnson book was the first book on the Parker gun. It gathered together what was known and what was understood at the time about the manufacture and it’s history. As such it was a noble effort created by a fine and well intentioned writer. Others have followed; Baer, Muderlak and Mullins et al as book writers and many others as magazine article writers. Much credit goes to Peter Johnson as the first in the line.

Each author built upon his predecessors, correcting errors and adding facts as they became known. Isn’t this how scholarship usually works ?

I think it is a real disservice and a limited view to denigrate Peter Johnson and his efforts. I think it says more about the critic than the criticized .

[Garth Gustafson]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

The Peter Johnson book was the first book on the Parker gun. It gathered together what was known and what was understood at the time about the manufacture and it’s history. As such it was a noble effort created by a fine and well intentioned writer. Others have followed; Baer, Muderlak and Mullins et al as book writers and many others as magazine article writers. Much credit goes to Peter Johnson as the first in the line.

Each author built upon his predecessors, correcting errors and adding facts as they became known. Isn’t this how scholarship usually works ?

I think it is a real disservice and a limited view to denigrate Peter Johnson and his efforts. I think it says more about the critic than the criticized .

One thing Peter Johnson does deserve to be denigrated for is his fashion sense.

[Nick de Guerre]

"Audacious..." "A disservice"... "Says more about the critic than the criticized."

My comments were honest, and offered as my own opinion...not a some generally accepted truth. Perhaps it's a sign of our current times that contrary opinion is met with rebuke, rather than simple disagreement?

I don't say a whole lot here, and I gave up on the Doublegun Forum long ago because I have no desire to engage in internet jousting, so I'm just going to disengage on this.

Suffice that my thoughts were genuine, if unfiltered. And they are informed of having read both that book, as well as all the others.

I will refrain from future comments which may strike some as frightfully independent-minded and nonconforming. I don't want anyone to be uncomfortable. *wink*

NDG

[Bruce Day]

I’m not uncomfortable in the slightest. It is clear that you have your views.

If you want to meet other people who enjoy the Parker gun and other significant American double guns, come to the next Southern SxS or to the Pheasant Fest in MSP in Feb. We’ll be there.




Colt
Lefever
Parker

[Dean Romig]

Hey... it was the sixties!






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