The Gun that Changed the World

This book is about par for the course for an autobiography using a non-professional ghost writer. The author is Kalashnikov himself, but the writer is his daughter, who appears to have originally published the book in France and subsequently translated the French version to English. Needless to say, translating from Russian to French to English doesn't necessarily result in the highest quality of translation.There are actually some very valuable insights in the book, especially regarding Kalashnikov's own views of Russian and Soviet politics, his upbringing, his experiences at the various design bureaus, as well as his personal life. There isn't much depth, and the level of technical detail is incredibly superficial. This being said, someone with an understanding of firearms in general and Kalashnikov patterns will be able to get some insights. There is a glossary of terms in the back, so the publishers did try to make it somewhat more accessible, but the rifle was less the focus than the man, which is reasonable.Overall, I was hoping for a little more depth, especially regarding the design of the AK-47 and the initial prototypes and design concepts. There is one point where it appears that Kalashnikov is describing an automatic magazine eject feature which designed for an early Kalashnikov prototype, which is not something I have heard of elsewhere or seen in other places. Some technical drawings or diagrams would have been nice. Never the less, it is nice to get the history of the Kalashnikov direct from the lead designer himself, and not simply the retelling of a biographer.Overall, the book is worth reading, but I would look elsewhere if looking for information specifically regarding the design of AK pattern rifles and their derivatives.

A good read…hard to put down….just wish it was a little more technical

I had heard some about M. Kalashnikov and the AK-47, but this account brought the whole thing to life. The story was fascinating and reads easily which was good because it was difficult to set this book down. It was a very good window into that period in Russian history. Mr Kalashnikov wrote from a biased point of view when he briefly wandered in to political opinions. I certainly see political matters differently than he did, but it was delightful hearing how he came to invent and develop the AK-47. No one could have told the story better. This book is well worth getting and reading.

Not done with the book but almost. A personal inside look and reflections of Mr. Kalashnikov up bringing and evolutions to turn him into the creator and father of the AK. Not a book of heavy details about the AK itself but a book on how it came to be the worlds most recognized firearm in history. Highly recommend for those interested in the life of Mr. Kalashnikov and those who are fans of the AK.

he lead a interesting life and wrote a mildly interesting story. He is NOT a skilled writer.

I ordered it for my son who is in US Army. He said it is interesting!

Kalashinikov's novel entitled "The Gun That Changed the World" is a marvel indeed. It explores notions of the rifle that have never been explored before. He speaks about his past, he speaks about his present and gives hints towards the future of his product. Excellent novel, personal touches to historical events are always interesting and give another perspective to war.

Of course his book is biased, but his bias is what I wanted. It's a good story, short on specs and diagrams, but a fun story. I am glad I got the book instead of Kindle download.

Ein Einblick in einen Menschen der so genial war.Das Buch gibt einen großartigen Einblick in das Leben und den Verstand von Mikhail Kalashnikov.Das Buch ist sehr gut geschrieben und lässt sich sehr gut lesen.Der Versand war sehr schnell.

Fascinating life story and autobiography of Mikhail Kalashnikov, detailing his experiences in Soviet Russia and the design and development of his iconic Avtomat Kalashnikova, the AK-47, the greatest assault rifle ever made, as told by the great man himself. Probably the best book I ever bought.

Less of the pro Palestinian bull would make it acceptable