Penguin Books Australia

'The final word on one of the most iconic weapons of our times' 
Independent on Sunday

The AK-47, or 'Kalashnikov', is the most popular weapon on earth. It never jams. It is so light and efficient a child can fire it. It is the everyman's gun, used by guerrillas, terrorists and dictators everywhere.

Featuring villains and idealists, profiteers and killers, superpowers and revolutionaries, The Gun tells the incredible story of how the Kalashnikov has transformed the way we fight, and changed our world.

'Thoroughly gripping'
Sunday Telegraph

'With impelling force, C. J. Chivers tells a remarkable story of how this one, superbly reliable firearm became the most abundant ever produced' 
Alistair Horne, author of The Price of Glory

'A fascinating look at modern warfare's most destructive weapon . . . accessible and compelling . . . rich in detail' 
Guardian

'Absorbing and beautifully written' 
Richard Overy 

'Dazzling . . . Startling . . . The Gun does exactly what the best art history or music writing does - it opens our eyes to see anew the familiar'  Doug Stanton, author of Horse Soldiers