ARS Mechanica
The Ultimate FN Book
Author: Auguste Francotte - Claude Gaier - Robert Karlshausen Printed and bound in Belgium
More Than five years have passed since this book project, Ars Mechanica, a history of Fabrique Nationale (FN), begun. Many assumed that Ars Mechanica was to be an update to Auguste Francotte and Claude Gaier’s work, FN 100 Years… However, any resemblance to previous FN history books is at best superficial. Ars Mechanica is by far the most detailed and comprehensive work on the subject.
FN and Browning collectors have eagerly awaited the book’s release, and their patience will be richly rewarded. Ars Mechanica will come as a pleasant surprise to many, and will exceed all expectations. The book recounts FN’s rich history like no other. Its title, “The Ultimate FN Book” is no mere marketing ploy. Ars Mechanica is illustrated with over a thousand photographs, many previously unpublished, and is a visual feast for any FN and Browning collector. For many it will introduce FN not only as the ultimate arms maker but reveal its rich history in bicycle, motorcycle and automobile manufacturing among many other successful product lines. These products, like the arms that bear the FN logo, were examples of technical excellence. FN’s vehicle products held a number of world speed records, and continue to fuel the passions of motorcycle and automobile collectors.
Years of painstaking work are reflected in this massive all-color volume. We reviewed one of the working drafts several months ago and at the time Ars Mechanica accounted for approximately 510 color pages. Since then, several additions have been made and it is certain to grow again before going to press. Ars Mechanica is oversized and we estimate that the printed book will be at least 10”x14”. Published and funded by the Herstal Group (FN Herstal), the book will be released in two editions, a French and English version.
The authors, Auguste Francotte, Claude Gaier and Robert Karlshausen, have done a magnificent job representing all facets of FN’s history, including its factories and affiliates such as Winchester and Browning. Many will recognize Mr. Claude Gaier, the well-known arms expert and curator of the Liège Arms Museum. His excellent book Five Centuries of Liège Gunmaking is still in high demand today, but sadly is out of print and no longer available in English.
We are currently negotiating an arrangement for distributing the English language version in the U.S.
A final retail price has not been set, but efforts are being made to keep this book affordable to all collectors, and the intent is to offer it well below the $100 mark. This represents a tremendous bargain, given the volume’s scope, size, color photography and value as reference material.
There will be a limited printing of the English language version. Given this, we strongly recommend pre-ordering. While we are committing to a sizeable initial order, FN has not indicated whether it will entertain follow-up orders. Thus, the English language edition may be available for a limited time, and in limited quantities.
Ideally, the book will go to print in December, 2007. However, production issues and transit times will likely preclude arrival in time for Christmas. Please check the website frequently as we will announce the anticipated arrival time, and will be accepting advance orders. Additional information as to content, price and images of the finished work will be made available as soon as possible.
Ars Mechanica, The Ultimate FN Book is sure to be the pride of any firearms reference library.
