A really interesting Parker book that's a LOT cheaper is "Parker Guns Shooting Flying and the American Experience". Awfully good work and you'll learn enough to really impress your shooting bud.
Amazon has it:
http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Shooting-Flying-American-Experience/dp/1574326112It also has a lot of really interesting material about other makers, ammunition, shooting, etc. Used from $16.99. 5 star recommendation.
(Now dear readers, don't jump in front of Hammer Guy to buy the used book--he gets "dubs")