Paladin Press printed information that mainstream publishers refused to touch. This "fringe" or "taboo" nature makes the physical books highly collectible.
Paladin Press was an American publishing house founded in 1970 in Boulder, Colorado, by Peder Lund and Robert K. Brown, the future founder of Soldier of Fortune magazine. The company specialized in non-fiction books and videos on a wide array of "action topics". Their catalog included firearms, survivalism and preparedness, martial arts and self-defense, military and police tactics, spying, lockpicking, sabotage, and explosives—earning it a reputation as a publisher of "dangerous" material.
Founded in 1970 and closed in 2018, Paladin Press was a Boulder, Colorado-based publisher known for controversial, non-fiction material spanning survivalism, martial arts, improvised weaponry, and privacy. The extensive collection, often archived online, gained notoriety for titles on revenge and the legal case surrounding "Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors". Explore archived catalogs and information on this unique collection at Internet Archive . paladin press collection hot
In June 2017, founder Peder Lund passed away. Shortly thereafter, the company halted new orders and, by November of that year, had permanently closed its doors. The official date of cessation is recorded as January 2018.
The Appeal of the Paladin Press Collection Paladin Press was a legendary publisher of controversial, underground, and military literature. Founded in 1970, the company specialized in combat, survivalism, firearms, and self-defense. Today, vintage Paladin Press titles are highly sought after by collectors and historians. Why Collectors Want Paladin Press Books Many books are out of print. Brown, the future founder of Soldier of Fortune magazine
: 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
Books that once belonged to notable figures—whether authors, criminals, or law enforcement officials—carry additional value. Signed copies, while rare given the pseudonymous nature of many Paladin authors, are highly prized when they surface. Founded in 1970 and closed in 2018, Paladin
Due to high demand, some sellers print low-quality PDF copies and bind them at home. Look for authentic paper aging and original cover art gloss.
If you're interested in exploring the Paladin Press Collection, you can find their books through various channels:
The Paladin Press collection represents a significant contribution to the world of self-defense and martial arts. Despite controversy and criticism, the company has remained committed to publishing high-quality, informative, and practical books on combat sports and personal protection.
Early editions list Boulder, Colorado as the headquarters.