Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms

by R.L. Wilson, William R. Chaney (Foreword), G. Allan Brown (Photographer)

Engravers and embellishers of arms are the stars of this loving tribute to the artistry of firearms.

Genres: Art

392 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Robert L. "Larry" Wilson was one of America's leading authorities on antique firearms. He was the author of illustrated and detailed books regarding the histories of various firearm companies, the art of firearm engraving and embellishment, and Sam Colt, inventor of the revolver. He consulted for, and advised, museums around the world.

As an undergraduate student, Wilson studied history and art at Carleton College. Wilson's first book,Samuel Colt Presents, was published in 1961 when he was 22 years old. His most recent publication, History and Art of the American Gun, was published in 2016, and during that span of 55 years, Wilson averaged approximately one book per year.

In addition to authoring more than 50 books, Wilson also penned 325 articles for a variety of magazines and periodicals and wrote countless gun descriptions for firearm auction catalogs.

Wilson passed away December 10, 2016, in his San Francisco home. He was 77 years old.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another picture book with subtitles. Some very cool engravings. Amazing detail.

[Ryan Ricks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful book, but apparently the author is heavily implicated in fraud and was convicted for such at least once.

[Bear Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photography of beautifully embellished pieces of history.