The role of the sniper in military history has always fascinated readers. The special skills that a top sniper requires - the combination of accuracy with stealth and guile - are rarely found on the battlefield, but when they are they can be used to devastating effect, not just in physical damage but also on morale. One of the key aims of Pen and Sword's Sniper list has been to publish books where historians, or the snipers themselves, illustrate the field craft, patience and skill required. Some of our bestselling titles are amongst this list a must read for anyone interested in this deadly form of battle craft.
★★★★ If you are looking for a general, well written book about sniping history to present day and the development of sniping weapons look no further. The amount of details are impressive, but for the unseasoned reader they may be overwhelming at times. Given the extend of the subject you would expect few details of the snipers involved. This book includes many personal experiences which makes it an interesting book to read, I would however have loved to read more of these stories though. If you are interested in the subject in detail (including calibre used), manufacturers, you’ve got the right book. Also, if you are interested in ‘story telling’ you may like the book as well. John Walker must have done massive research in order to be able to write this book. For this reason a five star rating would have been well deserved. Often, I read a personal story and wanted to read more about the person but then the story stopped. Since I would have liked to read more.. Read more
Historic Battlefield Tours
★★★★ If you are looking for a general, well written book about sniping history to present day and the development of sniping weapons look no further. The amount of details are impressive, but for the unseasoned reader they may be overwhelming at times. Given the extend of the subject you would expect few details of the snipers involved. This book includes many personal experiences which makes it an interesting book to read, I would however have loved to read more of these stories though. If you are interested in the subject in detail (including calibre used), manufacturers, you’ve got the right book. Also, if you are interested in ‘story telling’ you may like the book as well. John Walker must have done massive research in order to be able to write this book. For this reason a five star rating would have been well deserved. Often, I read a personal story and wanted to read more about the person but then the story stopped. Since I would have liked to read more.. Read more
Historic Battlefield Tours
As featured 'on the shelf' in
Wargames Illustrated, November 2017
As featured 'on the shelf' in
Wargames Illustrated, November 2017
Accounts involving the service of Second World War sharpshooters or Snipers are few and far between as the specialty carried and still has a weight of heavy judgement upon these individuals as hunters of men or worse killers. There cannot be the simple analogy that pilots use in merely shooting down planes rather than opposing pilots. That being said I was very keen to explore this text and develop a better understanding of Hetzenauer and his service. I was not disappointed, and flew through the text and the volume of information of both training and field service. Kaltenegger does a very fine job authoring this material and handling the challenges a study like this presents. The technical side of training and combat service is presented both in an organized and riveting fashion which is told through Matthaus’s journey into Wehrmacht service and what factors of his youth and environment contributed to his future service path. This book fills some major gaps in actual training method.. Read more
Richard Wade, Military Historian
Accounts involving the service of Second World War sharpshooters or Snipers are few and far between as the specialty carried and still has a weight of heavy judgement upon these individuals as hunters of men or worse killers. There cannot be the simple analogy that pilots use in merely shooting down planes rather than opposing pilots. That being said I was very keen to explore this text and develop a better understanding of Hetzenauer and his service. I was not disappointed, and flew through the text and the volume of information of both training and field service. Kaltenegger does a very fine job authoring this material and handling the challenges a study like this presents. The technical side of training and combat service is presented both in an organized and riveting fashion which is told through Matthaus’s journey into Wehrmacht service and what factors of his youth and environment contributed to his future service path. This book fills some major gaps in actual training method.. Read more
Richard Wade, Military Historian
As featured in.
The Daily Mail 23/3/17
As featured in.
The Daily Mail 23/3/17
Not able to see the embed? You need Adobe Flash Player enabled.
Sniper Anthology
Revered by some as the ultimate warrior and condemned by others as ruthless assassins – the combat sniper is more than just a crack shot. They are highly disciplined, calm professionals skilled in marksmanship, reconnaissance and camouflage. During the Second World War these lethal fighters were deployed by both sides to deadly effect. This new collection… Read more...
