"A chilling and perversely entertaining look at the dark side of innovation."--BusinessWeek"During the past half-century, the AK-47 assault rifle has established itself as the most ubiquitous implement of destruction on the planet. No other gun comes close for its durability, low price, ease of operation, and sheer killing power. It has become a mainstay of armies and terrorists alike, and a universal icon of revolutionary upheaval. Larry Kahaner's book is the best history of this weapon that I have seen. AK-47: The Weapon That Changed the Face of War will appeal to anyone who has ever watched the History Channel--or the evening news." --Max Boot, senior fellow, Council on Foreign Relationsand author of The Savage Wars of Peace"Anyone who has fought or watched a war over the last half-century recognizes the AK-47, but few know much about it. Kahaner traces the rifle's role in wars from Vietnam to Iraq and from Central America to Central Africa. A fascinating biography of a weapon that has truly changed world history." --Stephen Kinzer, author of OverthrowNo single weapon has spread so much raw power to so many people in so little time--and had such a devastating effect--as the AK-47 assault rifle. AK-47 tells the story of this most vicious and effective weapon, and how those who wield it have changed the world. Cheap and easy to use, it is the fuel that keeps alive protracted "small wars" in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East, and domestic crime almost everywhere. This book takes aim at the AK's lethal legacy--which will continue for years to come--from a uniquely appropriate perspective: the barrel of a gun.