Sniper by Martin Pegler (2007, Hardcover)

The full title is Sniper, A History of the US Marksman. This is an excellent book that actually covers what its title implies. There are a few minor errors mostly relating to nomenclatures (a photo of a sectioned Snider bullet decribes it as a Minie' ball) and some confusion relevant to the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 being described as having taken place "in the closing stages" of the Revolutionary War. The book is excellent overall and does not fall into the pitfall of many books that cite exaggerated claims or distorted recollections of veterans. The coverage of the 20th and 21st century conflicts is outstanding. The history of the development of gunpowder and accurate firearms alone is exceptional. Pegler is familiar with the subject of snipers and sharpshooting and this book is a wonderful companion to his earlier Out of Nowhere history of military snipers. If you enjoy rifles and marksmanship and good writing, you'll like this book.