A self-published author and recognized Second Amendment scholar, David E. Young, has reported that Amazon is no longer allowing the sale of new copies of his books. Only used copies are now available for purchase on the platform.
“Note that Amazon has shut down new copy sales of The Origin of the Second Amendment and The Founders’ View of the Right to Bear Arms by limiting access to my publishing storefront, Golden Oak Books,” Young stated on his On Second Opinion blog in December. “Any links to Amazon on this page or on my webpage, secondamendmentinfo.com, or elsewhere will no longer show sales of new copies from the publisher (these are self-published books). Only used copies are available from Amazon or elsewhere.”
Young provided links showing that both titles can only be purchased as used items.
Young’s work is regarded as significant among gun rights advocates and legal scholars. In a 2008 interview, it was noted: “Origin contains relevant material literally transcribed from newspaper articles, editorials, broadsides, pamphlets, speeches, proceedings, and amendment proposals that directly or indirectly relate to the Second Amendment and its adoption as part of the U.S. Bill of Rights,” and “The Founders’ View traces … the most relevant American characters, comments, actions, and resolutions that resulted in development and adoption of the Second Amendment as part of the Bill of Rights.”
His book The Origin of the Second Amendment was cited six times in Justice Antonin Scalia’s majority opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller by the U.S. Supreme Court. It has also been referenced in two Circuit Court cases regarding individual rights under the Second Amendment.
Despite this recognition, Young says he is unable to sell new copies through Amazon but has not been informed about any specific policy violation on his part. He noted that current restrictions for self-publishers at Amazon include a three-per-day limit on Kindle titles due to concerns over AI-generated manuscripts.
David Codrea contacted Amazon Publisher Services seeking clarification about why Young cannot sell new books through their site but received only an automated response: “Thank you for your interest in Amazon Publisher Services. If your site is eligible for our services, a member of our team will contact you.” No further reply had been received at press time.
In response to these limitations with online sales platforms like Amazon, readers interested in purchasing Young’s works can order them directly by mail from Golden Oak Books using check or money order.
Organizations such as Buckeye Firearms Association serve as grassroots groups supporting firearm ownership rights for lawful purposes including self-defense and recreation. They provide news updates on legislation affecting gun rights and details about firearms training events according to their official website. Their activities focus primarily within Ohio (source).
Young’s books remain available via direct mail order for those seeking resources grounded in historical research related to gun rights advocacy.
