This is the crown jewel. Published in 1983, this manual was the subject of a landmark Supreme Court case (Rice v. Paladin Enterprises). The book was so explicit that the family of a murder victim sued Paladin for "aiding and abetting."
Result: Pre-settlement copies of Hit Man are extremely “hot” – both legally dangerous to sell and valuable (selling for $500–$2,000+).
If you’d like, I can:
Paladin Press was a controversial publishing house known for distributing books on survivalism, martial arts, self-defense, firearms, and other "action library" topics. Because the company went out of business in 2018, their physical books have become highly collectible, and digital archives of their catalogs are widely sought after.
To close, run your shelf against this checklist:
The legacy of Paladin Press is complicated, but the collector's market is simple: Scarcity + Censorship = High Prices. Right now, that equation has never been more true. The underground buzz is real, the auction gavels are slamming, and the Paladin Press collection is hot.
Don't let yours gather dust.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and historical collecting purposes only. The author does not endorse the illegal use of any information contained within Paladin Press publications. Always comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding the possession of instructional materials.
The Historical Legacy of Paladin Press: An Overview of a Publishing Icon
For several decades, Paladin Press occupied a unique and often debated space in the American publishing landscape. Established in 1970 and operating until 2018, the company became a central fixture in survivalist, tactical, and fringe subcultures. Today, the "Paladin Press collection" is frequently discussed by bibliophiles and historians as a significant artifact of 20th-century niche publishing. The Rise of a Niche Publisher
Founded by Peder Lund and Robert K. Brown in Boulder, Colorado, Paladin Press emerged during a period of heightened interest in unconventional warfare and self-reliance following the Vietnam War. The company specialized in titles that mainstream publishers often overlooked, focusing on topics such as historical military tactics, wilderness survival, and specialized martial arts.
Because the company ceased operations several years ago, original physical copies of their catalog have become sought-after items on the secondary market. Collectors often view these books not just for their content, but as symbols of a specific era in American counter-culture. Cultural and Legal Significance
The collection is often remembered for its involvement in complex legal debates regarding the First Amendment. Some of the company's more controversial titles became the center of landmark court cases concerning the boundaries of protected speech versus public safety. These legal battles remain a point of study for law students and civil liberties advocates exploring the tensions between information sharing and legal liability. Key Themes in the Collection
While the catalog was diverse, several core themes defined the brand over the years:
Historical Combat Studies: Paladin was known for reprinting or publishing works by historical figures in military training, such as Rex Applegate, focusing on World War II-era self-defense techniques.
Outdoor Survivalism: Long before "prepping" entered the mainstream lexicon, the publisher produced numerous guides on off-grid living, foraging, and emergency preparedness.
Technical Trades: The catalog included various technical manuals on topics like locksmithing and historical investigative techniques. The End of an Era
The closure of Paladin Press in 2018 marked the end of nearly fifty years of operation. In the wake of its shuttering, the collection has transitioned from a source of active instruction to a subject of historical analysis. To many, the archive represents a time when information was disseminated through physical catalogs and mail-order books rather than the instant accessibility of the internet.
Today, the interest in the Paladin Press collection reflects a fascination with the history of specialized publishing and the enduring debate over the nature of controversial information in society.
Paladin Press collection is a famous archive of controversial non-fiction books and videos specializing in fringe topics like combat shooting, self-defense, military science
. While the physical publisher ceased operations in 2017 after nearly 50 years, the collection remains "hot" in digital archives and underground circles due to its rare and often extreme content. Core Categories of the Collection paladin press collection hot
The collection is categorized by its focus on "action" and technical skills not typically found in mainstream publishing: Combat & Weapons
: Extensive manuals on firearms, sniping, silencers, and exotic weaponry. Self-Defense & Martial Arts
: Traditional and improvised fighting systems, including titles on Muay Thai and tactical knife fighting. Espionage & Investigation
: Practical guides on wiretapping, lock picking, and creating new identities. "Get Even" & Revenge : A notorious series (like George Hayduke's Getting Even ) focused on pranks, sabotage, and "dirty tricks". Improvised Skills
: Instructions for building radio jammers, burglar alarms, and other DIY hardware. Why It's Notable Paladin Press Collection - Internet Archive
Paladin Press was a legendary and highly controversial American book publisher specializing in "action" non-fiction topics such as survivalism, firearms, martial arts, and military tactics. Often called the "most dangerous publisher in the world," it officially ceased operations in January 2018 following the death of its co-founder, Peder Lund. History and Ethos
Founded: 1970 by Peder Lund and Robert K. Brown (who also founded Soldier of Fortune magazine).
Ideology: The company was associated with libertarian and right-wing viewpoints, focusing on individual empowerment, self-reliance, and a deep distrust of authority.
Expansion: In 2006, Paladin acquired the rights to many titles from Loompanics Unlimited, another niche publisher known for anti-authoritarian and unconventional "how-to" guides. Core Collection Topics
The publisher's catalog of over 700 titles covered diverse and often extreme subject matter:
Survival & Preparedness: Wilderness survival, bushcraft, and building off-grid retreats.
Combat & Martial Arts: Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), close-quarters combat (CQC), and wrestling.
Weapons: Gunsmithing, sniping, improvised munitions, and knife fighting.
Arcane Skills: Lockpicking, surveillance/counter-surveillance, new identity creation, and "dirty tricks" for revenge. The "Hit Man" Controversy Paladin Press is most infamous for publishing Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors .
The Case: In 1993, a triple murder was committed by a man who allegedly used the book as a step-by-step guide.
Legal Precedent: The resulting lawsuit, Rice v. Paladin Enterprises, Inc., marked the first time a book publisher was held financially liable for a crime committed by a reader. Paladin eventually settled the case and agreed to stop selling the book. Where to Find the Collection Today
Since the company is defunct, original physical copies are now collectors' items.
Digital Archives: Extensive digital versions of the Paladin Press Collection are hosted on the Internet Archive for research and educational purposes.
Secondhand Markets: Used copies are frequently sold on sites like AbeBooks, ThriftBooks, and eBay.
Legacy Republications: Small independent publishers occasionally acquire rights to specific titles for reprint. This is the crown jewel
The collection is built on "action topics" designed for individual empowerment and tactical preparedness:
Tactical & Combat: Includes manuals on firearms, sniping, and military/police science.
Martial Arts & Self-Defense: Features unique combat systems like French Foreign Legion combatives and Dim-Mak.
Survival & Preparedness: Guides on wilderness survival, guerrilla warfare, and sustainability.
Clandestine Arts: Deep dives into espionage, lockpicking, and surveillance countermeasures.
Revenge & Humor: Notorious titles like George Hayduke's "Get Even". Where to Find the "Hot" Collection Today
Since the publisher is no longer active, "hot" or highly sought-after items are primarily found through secondary markets and digital archives: Paladin Press Books & DVDs - Budovideos
The Paladin Press collection remains a "hot" topic in collector circles and digital archives due to its controversial legacy as the primary publisher of unconventional, "action-oriented" literature. Founded in 1970 by Peder Lund and Robert K. Brown, the Colorado-based firm earned the moniker "the most dangerous publisher in the world" for its willingness to print technical manuals on subjects other publishers deemed too toxic. The Core of the Collection: "Action Library" Staples
For nearly 50 years, Paladin Press curated a massive library of specialty non-fiction. The collection became highly sought after by survivalists, martial artists, and history buffs.
Survivalism & Preparedness: Works by authors like Ragnar Benson—specifically his guides on Homebuilt Flamethrowers and Homemade C-4—are hallmarks of the "extreme survival" genre.
Martial Arts & Close Combat: They published foundational texts for the Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) community, such as Sigmund Ringeck’s Knightly Art of the Longsword.
Military & Police Tactics: The collection includes reprints of official manuals and unique works from elite instructors like Col. Rex Applegate, author of Kill or Get Killed.
The "Dark" Manuals: Topics like lockpicking, espionage, and "revenge" (most notably George Hayduke's Get Even series) formed the more clandestine portion of their catalog. Why the Collection is "Hot" Today Best of Paladin Press (461 books) - Goodreads
Here’s a helpful text block you can use for a Paladin Press collection (e.g., for a website, catalog, or display). Paladin Press was known for publishing controversial, “for educational purposes only” books on survival, firearms, martial arts, explosives, and counterculture tactics.
Paladin Press Collection – For Reference & Historical Context Only
This collection contains reprinted materials originally published by Paladin Press (1970–2017). Paladin Press specialized in practical, often controversial manuals on topics including firearms, personal defense, survival, demolitions, improvised weapons, and martial arts. Many of these works were intended for law enforcement, military personnel, and serious hobbyists, but some contain information that is now outdated, legally restricted, or potentially dangerous.
Important Notice:
These items are offered for historical reference, academic study, and collector interest only. Nothing herein should be construed as current instruction or endorsement of illegal acts. The publisher and seller assume no liability for misuse of information. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Notable Series & Titles (examples):
Condition: As found – may contain original Paladin Press covers, period advertisements, and library markings. Some materials reflect the political and social attitudes of their time.
Restricted Sale: Not for sale to minors. Some titles may be illegal to possess in certain countries or states. Buyer assumes all legal responsibility. If you’d like, I can:
For nearly half a century, Paladin Press stood as the most controversial name in American publishing, earning the title of the "most dangerous publisher in the world". Founded in 1970 by Peder Lund and Robert K. Brown, the Boulder-based firm specialized in "action topics" that mainstream houses refused to touch—ranging from improvised explosives and guerrilla warfare to lockpicking and hitman manuals.
While the company ceased operations in January 2018 following the death of co-founder Peder Lund, its collection remains a "hot" commodity for collectors, survivalists, and civil liberties advocates. The Core Collection: Pillars of Tactical Knowledge
Paladin’s catalog grew to over 800 titles and videos, often categorized under their Professional Action Library. Key areas of their collection include:
Survival & Preparedness: Defined by authors like Ragnar Benson , whose works like Survival Poaching and The Modern Survival Retreat remain definitive texts in the survivalist community.
Combat & Self-Defense: The press reprinted rare World War II hand-to-hand combat manuals by legends such as William E. Fairbairn ( Get Tough! ) and Col. Rex Applegate.
Unconventional Warfare: Titles covered everything from improvised munitions to sniper training, including the U.S. Army Sniper Training Manual and works by John Plaster Privacy & Personal Freedom: Books like How to Start Your Own Country and Modern Identity Changer catered to libertarian and anti-authoritarian audiences. Revenge & Humor: George Hayduke’s
series became an unlikely bestseller, detailing "dirty tricks" for social and professional payback. Legal Infamy: The "Hit Man" Case
The "hottest" and most infamous part of the Paladin legacy is the 1983 book Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors
. After a contract killer used the book as a step-by-step guide for a triple murder in Maryland, Paladin Press was sued for "aiding and abetting".
Precedent: The case marked the first time a publisher was held financially liable for a crime committed by a reader.
Settlement: In 1999, Paladin's insurance carrier settled for millions, and the company agreed to stop selling the book. Existing copies were ordered destroyed, making surviving physical editions rare collector's items. Where to Find the Collection Today
Since its closure, the Paladin Press collection has moved into the secondary and digital markets:
Secondary Markets: Collectors frequently search for original printings on platforms like AbeBooks and eBay, where rare titles can command high prices.
Digital Archives: Many out-of-print titles have been preserved in digital repositories like The Ted K Archive and the Internet Archive, which host "text dumps" of the publisher's history.
Successor Publishers: Small niche publishers like Korpocalypse occasionally compile digital collections of "lost" Paladin books for educational and archival purposes.
If you are looking to build a library or find a specific rare title, let me know:
Which specific topic (e.g., locksmithing, historical combat, survival) are you most interested in?
Not all Paladin books are equal. If you own a general collection of martial arts books, it is worth modest money. However, specific titles are driving the market to fever pitch. The Paladin Press collection is hot specifically because of three legendary titles that regularly fetch four-figure sums.
The ultimate guide to anonymous revenge. This book became a cult classic in the pre-internet era. It is the "art of war" for suburban disgruntlement.