USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Peder Lund, the founder and publisher of Paladin Press, died suddenly on June 3 2017 while on vacation in Finland.
Playboy Magazine labeled the owner of Paladin Press the “most dangerous publisher in the world,” citing Paladin’s publication of the book Hit Man written by an unnamed female and The Ultimate Sniper by John Plaster. [books so dangerous that anyone can now buy a copies on Amazon today]
“Maybe he is that dangerous to a bunch of pantywaists who blame everything and everyone but the criminals for their murderous ways. Peder is the first to admit that he has lived his life on the edge, with a total disdain for convention as he sought adventure and danger, and that publishing risqué and provocative adventure books fits right into his lifestyle.” ~ SOF Magazine article 2012 “A Notorious Publisher”
Paladin Press, which he co-founded in 1970 with Lt Col (Ret.) Robert K. Brown of Soldier of Fortune Magazine fame, was called the Professional Action Library for a reason, and he made sure that all Paladin books and videos met the standards of professionals and action/adventure enthusiasts.
Peder firmly believed that the First Amendment guaranteed Americans the right to read about whatever subjects they desired, and he pushed all the limits he could in both his professional and personal life to protect this most fundamental right.
“Peder was always a doer, and we at Paladin take comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved most.” said the official statement from Paladin Press.
“It can easily be argued that Peder invented the genre of publishing, with in-depth instructional coverage of guns, training, tactics and techniques, that AmmoLand News and many others on the digital web and Youtube take for granted today. He just did it “old School”, in print and paper. Who knows what Peder was up to in Finland on his last trip, but I am comforted to know he remained dangerous right to the sudden end. Rest in peace sifu Peder Lund.” said Fredy Riehl, Editor AmmoLand News
Peder fought in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces, and he was especially proud that Paladin was one of the first publishers in the country to offer books about the Vietnam War. He remained fiercely supportive of all the men and women in uniform who serve their country.
On his passing, one of Peder’s long-term friends described him as “a good friend, a great warrior, an intellectual, a gentleman, and a most accomplished businessman.” We think that pretty much sums up his life.
He will be missed.
I have many of their books acquired over the years, may he rest in piece. A true “on the edge” trendsetter!!!
every time I buy books from Paladin press, I am startled when I realize 10 books came in a box that would contain 1 normal book
when I read these remarkably thin books I realize later that I know far more about the subject than I could reasonably expect from such thin books
I have bought many things over the years. I’m glad he accomplished what he did and hopefully it will live on.
Peder was always the real deal. He was a good friend.
Rob Almirall
Peter was truly a “guerrilla” publisher. I remember buying several of the Get Even/Revenge series and Dirty Tricks books in the early 1970s. Besides The Whole Earth Catalog, he was the only readily-available source of improvised explosives and weapons knowledge, which is forever. He has quite a legacy; RIP.
A tragedy for both those who print and those who love freedom. Thank you for everything Peder Lund.