Less known is Desert Publications’ obsession with consciousness expansion and psychological manipulation. They were early adopters of "Psionics"—the idea that the mind could manipulate physical reality (telekinesis, remote viewing) through specific training regimens.
A surprisingly professional text on how lie detectors work, including chapters on how to "beat" a polygraph using physiological control techniques (tightening sphincter muscles, biting tongue, etc.). This is a favorite among true-crime collectors.
This is the most likely reference. Desert Publications has been known for publishing and distributing specialty, niche, and sometimes controversial books — often focused on:
This is what Desert Publications is most famous (or infamous) for. The Cold War paranoia of the 1980s created a massive market for survivalist literature. Key titles included:
Note: Not to be confused with William Powell’s later The Anarchist Cookbook (Lyle Stuart, 1971). This is the Desert Publications "knock-off." This 48-page booklet contained simpler, cruder recipes than the famous version. It is incredibly rare because a federal raid on a Desert Publications distributor in 1985 led to most copies being seized. A mint copy recently sold on a private rare book forum for $850.
With the rise of print-on-demand and PDF scams, the market is flooded with fakes. If you are looking to purchase physical Desert Publications books, here is how to tell the real thing from a modern reprint:
Desert Publications books are not for everyone. They are often poorly printed, graphically offensive to modern sensibilities, and legally dubious. However, to dismiss them as mere smut or trash would be a mistake.
They are artifacts of freedom. They represent a time when the geographic isolation of the American desert allowed a publisher to print whatever they wanted, damn the consequences. In a digital world where algorithms dictate what we read, the scrappy, dusty, stapled spine of a Desert Publications book reminds us of a time when literature could be anything—a fetish, a skull tattoo, or a spell cast in the sun. desert publications books
Whether you are a collector, a historian, or simply a curious traveler in the world of obscure media, the legacy of Desert Publications proves that even in the most barren landscapes, the most provocative ideas bloom.
Disclaimer: The availability of specific Desert Publications titles varies by jurisdiction due to local obscenity laws. Always verify the legal status of adult publications in your area before purchasing.
The Combat Bookshelf: An Analysis of Desert Publications For decades, Desert Publications has carved out a unique niche in the literary world, serving as a primary source for manuals on survival, tactical training, and military history. Often associated with the "Combat Bookshelf" series, these publications have become essential reading for historians, firearms enthusiasts, and survivalists seeking technical, no-nonsense information. Core Genres and Expertise
Desert Publications focuses heavily on practical knowledge and technical proficiency. Their catalog primarily covers:
Survival and Self-Sufficiency: Detailed guides on living off the grid and outdoor survival skills.
Military Tactics and Manuals: Step-by-step instructions for tactical training and military operations.
Firearms and Weaponry: Extensive documentation on the design, development, and modification of iconic firearms. Notable Titles and Historical Significance and survivalists seeking technical
The publisher is well-known for preserving technical data that might otherwise be lost to time. Key titles from their collection include:
The Springfield Rifle (M1903 series): A comprehensive guide on the design and maintenance of this classic American rifle.
M1 Carbine: Design, Development, & Production: Part of the "Combat Bookshelf," this book offers deep insights into the production history of one of WWII's most recognizable weapons.
Firearm Silencers (Volumes 1–3): These manuals provide technical breakdowns and patent information regarding suppression technology.
Full Auto AR-15 Modification Manual: A technical look at the mechanical aspects of firearm modifications. Practical Utility and Visual Aids
A defining feature of many Desert Publications books is their use of illustrations and diagrams. These visual aids are designed to clarify complex mechanical instructions and tactical techniques, making them highly effective for learners who require visual confirmation of technical procedures.
While many of these titles were released in the 1970s and 80s—such as the Complete Book of Thompson Patents (1981)—they remain authoritative sources for collectors and researchers looking for historical accuracy. For those seeking modern tactics, users are often encouraged to check specific publication dates to ensure the techniques align with contemporary safety and legal standards. Legacy in Tactical Literature and later in El Dorado
Beyond technical manuals, Desert Publications has also published historical accounts like With British Snipers to the Reich, bridging the gap between hardware manuals and first-hand military history. Their association with publications like Soldier of Fortune Magazine highlights their deep roots in the military and defense community of the late 20th century.
Today, these books are frequently found through specialty retailers and collectors on platforms like eBay or through book comparison tools like BookScouter, maintaining their status as "must-haves" for the serious tactical librarian. If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know:
Do you need information on modern survival guides versus historical ones?
Are you interested in the legal history of some of their technical manuals?
All books by Desert Publications publisher - BookScouter.com
Desert Publications is a niche publisher specializing in tactical, firearms, and "unconventional" instructional manuals. Historically based in Cornville, Arizona , and later in El Dorado, Arkansas
, the company is often grouped with other "counter-culture" or survivalist publishers like Paladin Press Loompanics Unlimited Core Subject Matter
The Desert Publications catalog is heavily focused on military science, DIY weaponry, and survivalism. Key categories include: Internet Archive desert publications cornville az - AbeBooks