This book was read to my Grandmother by her Grandmother. My Grandmother read it to her sons and then to her grandchildren. This book isn't just a wonderful children's story, but it's a family tradition. After my Grandmother read the book to me as a young child, I did a book report on it in 4th grade, reread it in high school, read it again after I graduated from college and gave a copy of it to my wife as a wedding present.The adventures of Balser and his gun harken back to a time when the dense forests of Southern Indiana were a dangerous and wild place. A must for anyone who wants to celebrate their Hoosier Heritage.