Description
Book SynopsisThe issue of gun control has been brought to the forefront of American consciousness following recent school shootings, yet it is not at the top of the political agenda. This book takes a step back from both advocates and oponents of gun control to survey the US gun landscape and related matters.
Trade ReviewVizzard brings twenty-seven years of experience to his subject, which is a detailed critique of every gun law passed since New York restricted handguns in 1911. * Times Literary Supplement *
After a long career enforcing America's gun laws, William Vizzard is uniquely qualified to referee the national debate on these laws. He offers a grounded assessment, nicely informed by history and interest-group politics, but especially by experience. And that experience helps illuminate the false dichotomy between controlling guns and punishing violent criminals: In fact, gun control laws actually facilitate the arrest and prosecution of violent criminals. That insight alone is worth the price of admission to this important book. -- Philip J. Cook, Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University
This is not a book for people looking for simple, easy answers to a complex problem. The author's extensive background has informed a well-researched presentation of the possibilities and pitfalls of all aspects of this burning national issue. -- Michael K. Beard, president, Coaltion to Stop Gun Violence
Both the public library patron and academic researcher have much to gain from this text. * Library Journal *
Invaluable to anyone interested in gun control, no matter what his/her personal position or level of expertise. All readers—even the most advanced students of the issue—will obtain important new facts and insights from it. -- Don B. Kates, Jr., Author of The Great American Gun Debate
Vizzard has put forth a comprehensive, scholarly, and balanced study of the politics of gun control. An important work . . . policymakers will want to consider it carefully. * CHOICE *
In an attempt to present a balanced and pragmatic approach to gun control, this volume reviews a century of gun control policy and finds more than the NRA at work. Underlying the extremism in current public opinion Vizzard finds a context of history and symbolism that complicates reaching a resolution in this policy area. * Public Administration Review *
Very sophisticated thinking on this contentious issue. * Future Survey *
Anyone who really wants to understand guns in America should go first, and probably finally, to this book. * Baltimore Sun *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Where We Are Chapter 2 Framing the Issue Chapter 3 Crime, Culture, and Markets Chapter 4 Control Strategies and the Law Chapter 5 Interest Groups and Public Attitudes Chapter 6 The Evolving Politics of Gun Control Part 7 How We Got Here Chapter 8 Early History Chapter 9 The Gun Control Act of 1968 Chapter 10 A Bureaucracy Unprepared Chapter 11 Reaction Chapter 12 Brady and Beyond Part 13 Where We Are Going Chapter 14 What Could Be Done and Why It Won't Be Chapter 15 Gun Control and the Policy Process
