This book discusses the critical events and discoveries that dominated the development of firearms, from the introduction of gunpowder to the West in 1258 to 1877. Particular attention is paid to Samuel Colt's invention of the world's first practical repeating firearm and the subsequent fight over the patent for the modern breech-loading revolver that was controlled by Smith & Wesson. Included are recently unearthed and startling revelations that will have historians questioning much of what they thought they knew.