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I was caught off-guard by the news that R.L. Wilson had passed away in December. I’m very saddened to hear of this.
The reason I had searched him is because I found what I believe to be word-for-word plagiarism of a paragraph in one of his books. Does anyone know who is handling copyright issues for his work?
Online
Chris,
R.L. “Larry” Wilson has not written a book for many years. The fact that he plagiarized someone else’s work is not a surprise to those of us that knew him in person. He made a lot of very poor choices in his past, and served time in Federal facility for some of them. His personal reputation was ruined by his illicit behavior.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
1badf350 said
I was caught off-guard by the news that R.L. Wilson had passed away in December. I’m very saddened to hear of this.The reason I had searched him is because I found what I believe to be word-for-word plagiarism of a paragraph in one of his books. Does anyone know who is handling copyright issues for his work?
You didn’t see his obit in the Rifleman?
1badf350 said
I was caught off-guard by the news that R.L. Wilson had passed away in December. I’m very saddened to hear of this.The reason I had searched him is because I found what I believe to be word-for-word plagiarism of a paragraph in one of his books. Does anyone know who is handling copyright issues for his work?
Was curious to know what book and on what page the paragraph is? Whom did he plagiarize from?
I used to find his works interesting and still find them entertaining. There are a several errors in some of his books, and as far as guns go, several out right FAKE guns in a couple of his books. Will add that he is not the only Gun author (and proclaimed expert) to make mistakes in his books, and he won’t be the last either.
It sure seems odd and saddening to me as well. Also seems like a strange sign of the times as well.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
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Maverick said
Will add that he is not the only Gun author (and proclaimed expert) to make mistakes in his books, and he won’t be the last either.
Amen! However, I never thought of him as a true expert or authority, the way Madis was on Winchesters, Dutcher on Ballards, Brophy on Marlins, etc., but rather a professional writer of “popular” coffee-table books. Except that he was (or claimed to be) an authority on engraving, which is how he got into trouble.
November 7, 2015
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I like his books, excellent coffee table material. Great quality photos and some pretty awesome eye candy. Text always seemed a little short on substance but never gave it much thought. Didn’t know about his legal issues, not the first gunwriter to make some poor choices. I know one who’s lucky to be alive because of some choices he’s made. And that’s all I’m going to say about that!
I have no dog in this hunt but here is an article which sums up the accusations;
http://articles.courant.com/2006-03-26/news/0603260031_1_wilson-s-case-firearms-gun
I also agree with Maverick that every single book I have ever read on guns has some inaccuracies. That is just the nature of research and publishing. I wish I could say my book on the Model 69 will be perfect but it is simply impossible to predict what information may be found in the future that refutes previous research. We can only do the best we can, at the time, with the resources available. I hope every reader understands that.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
TXGunNut said
I know one who’s lucky to be alive because of some choices he’s made…
I think I know how he feels.
Guys,
what I was trying to say was that the most recent Henry rifle catalog (page 24) has a paragraph they took from one of his books.
I dont know much about the man and will refrain from commenting on his character.
That said, yes I read a few news articles about him last night.
1badf350 said
I dont know much about the man and will refrain from commenting on his character.
That said, yes I read a few news articles about him last night.
Meet the man in person (almost) by watching this A&E special: http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-STORY-OF-THE-GUN-Complete-History-of-Firearms-VHS-tape-set-A-E-Home-Video-/381982595845?hash=item58efefdb05:g:TioAAOSwtnpXlp5c
He was one of the main speakers and demonstrators in the series, which was not bad for something produced for a general audience, not knowledgeable collectors; my copy lies buried somewhere among my several hundred tapes.
I met him at the Baltimore show last year. He looked at and confirmed factory engraving on an 1873 i had with me. Seemed like a nice fellow.
Although, the content of his character and debate thereof is not the reason I started this thread, and I do not wish for it to continue down that road.
If the Henry catalog issue is a moot point now, so be it. I didnt know the man, I was simply looking out for his interests, as I would do for any one of you guys who have published works.
Larry was a friend of mine. I guided him on his first African hunt in 1970. A year later I stayed with him in the US. We had a lot of laughs and fun. Sad to hear of his passing.
Ian Manning said
Larry was a friend of mine. I guided him on his first African hunt in 1970. A year later I stayed with him in the US. We had a lot of laughs and fun. Sad to hear of his passing.
It is my understanding that passed away a few years ago ?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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I must admit that I would have liked to have met Larry. His enthusiasm and depth of knowledge was inspirational and I was very disappointed to learn that he’d apparently crossed over to the dark side from time to time. Personally I thought he was too nerdy for that. Despite his downfalls I’ll remember his good works. Undoubtedly I’d feel differently if I’d purchased an item he “certified”.
Mike
TXGunNut said
I must admit that I would have liked to have met Larry. His enthusiasm and depth of knowledge was inspirational and I was very disappointed to learn that he’d apparently crossed over to the dark side from time to time. Personally I thought he was too nerdy for that. Despite his downfalls I’ll remember his good works. Undoubtedly I’d feel differently if I’d purchased an item he “certified”.
Mike
Certification letters by whomever always scared me. I used to buy his books at the Vegas show for less than what he was selling them. Then I would go to his table and have him sign them. He was a good and knowledgeable guy to talk to.
They say bad news travels fast, but apparently not on this board: Wilson died in Dec, 2016.
clarence said
They say bad news travels fast, but apparently not on this board: Wilson died in Dec, 2016.
Well, this is a thread from FEB 2017… so…. it wasn’t too slow.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
JWA said
I have no dog in this hunt but here is an article which sums up the accusations;http://articles.courant.com/2006-03-26/news/0603260031_1_wilson-s-case-firearms-gun
I also agree with Maverick that every single book I have ever read on guns has some inaccuracies. That is just the nature of research and publishing. I wish I could say my book on the Model 69 will be perfect but it is simply impossible to predict what information may be found in the future that refutes previous research. We can only do the best we can, at the time, with the resources available. I hope every reader understands that.
Best Regards,
Interesting article .Thanks for posting.Never knew about that side of him.
If collectors don’t believe stuff like this is still happening all the time you need to pull your head out your Axx. I know a dealer that has testified for the Law a handful of times on cases like this.
JWA said
I have no dog in this hunt but here is an article which sums up the accusations;http://articles.courant.com/2006-03-26/news/0603260031_1_wilson-s-case-firearms-gun
I also agree with Maverick that every single book I have ever read on guns has some inaccuracies. That is just the nature of research and publishing. I wish I could say my book on the Model 69 will be perfect but it is simply impossible to predict what information may be found in the future that refutes previous research. We can only do the best we can, at the time, with the resources available. I hope every reader understands that.
Best Regards,
Very informative article. I have no dog in this hunt either but hoodwinking museums/gun owners/etc is not my flavor. I’m willing to bet there are some nervous owners/collectors still out there who posses some of these pieces that were “brokered” by Mr Wilson & the manner in which they were acquired.
Nevertheless maybe this somehow was an eye opener & diverted others from visiting the “dark side” which ultimately smears the Gun collector world. JMO
AG
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