Lethal Passage

The Story of a Gun

By: Erik Larson

Narrated by: Richard Poe

This devastating book illuminates America's gun culture - its manufacturers, dealers, buffs, and propagandists - but also offers concrete solutions to our national epidemic of death by firearm. It begins with an account of a crime that is by now almost commonplace: on December 16, 1988, 16-year-old Nicholas Elliot walked into his Virginia high school with a Cobray M-11/9 and several hundred rounds of ammunition tucked in his backpack. By day's end, he had killed one teacher and severely wounded another.

In Lethal Passage Erik Larson shows us how a disturbed teenager was able to buy a weapon advertised as "the gun that made the 80s roar." The result is a book that can - and should - save lives, and that has already become an essential text in the gun-control debate.

©1994, 1995, 2011 Erik Larson (P)2019 Recorded Books

Enlightening

An important book. As with all of Mr. Larson's work, I learned a lot. His willingness to infiltrate and investigate provided a first-hand account of the many ways the gun industry uses loopholes to skirt or break the law, putting all of us in danger.

The right to life & liberty vs guns obsession

I wish that Constitutionally defined Rights to Life and Liberty were defended in America as strongly as the right to own and carry guns.

I agree with Erik Larson on unified code across all states for guns purchases, but at the same time I would emphasize the need for harsh punishment for all those people who help minors obtain guns, which are later used in mass shootings ... That includes Robyn Anderson who has purchased three guns for Columbines yet the authorities didn’t press any charges against her, something that in my opinion is a travesty ...

I grew up with John Wayne and never knew

I loved John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Matt Dillon. Grew up in Texas, heart of the west and never knew all this. A must read if you are against gun sanctions. This is a game changer.

Survivor of gun violence

My sister-in-law was killed in a mass shooting at her medical office. Now you’re not safe visiting the doctor. Her loss has caused so
much suffering. Thank you for this book & all of its ideas as our family tries to make change.

Very relevant book

Older read regarding the story of guns, mass shootings, and gun laws, but still very relevant. Written in the early 90’s, I would love to hear Larson reflect on the state of gun laws today.