One Shot, One Kill: A History of the Sniper

by Andy Dougan

A cultural and military history of the sniper since 1643, when the first shot was fired by a sniper during the battle for Litchfield in the English Civil War, to the present day. Previously published as The Hunting of Man. ‘The modern sniper is perhaps the most versatile soldier on the battlefield. He is totally self-reliant, living off the land and his wits, the most vital link in the chain of combat. Ranging at will over the battlefield, he will push himself to his technological and psychological limit to provide protection for his comrades, intelligence for his commanders, and deadly interdiction whenever it is necessary. He is essentially a living weapon.’ In an engrossing history driven by the stories of the great marksmen of each era, Andy Dougan traces the development of the sniper’s role from the English Civil War to the modern day. A role that, despite tactical innovation and technological advance, has always aspired to the same lethal one shot, one kill.

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2016

Reviews

[Kulpreet Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I enjoyed for its detailed and yet succinct account of how the snipers have evolved over time, their role in the outcome of different small and big wars, how a lone man has--and always had---the power to puncture the enemy's spirit and advances, how weapons advancement have impacted the way snipers are deployed, and finally, how the role of a sniper became the focus of all terrorist organisations in the recent times. In a nutshell, the role of a sniper was and shall remain one of the fundamentals on which the result of an armed conflict will always hinge. At least in the predictable future. A very readable and informative book.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief but captivating and informative..

[Carl Sweeting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written history book of the evolution of the modern day sniper, tactics and weapons with numerous short stories as examples. An interesting, easy read.

[iain meek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well- written history and psychology of sniping. Fascinating. Dreadfully unwholesome.