Encyclopedia of Wars

Each of the 2,000 alphabetically-arranged entries begins with a boxed summary of principal combatants, principal theater(s), declaration, major issues and objectives, outcome, approximate number of men under arms (we'll assume women are included in counts where appropriate), casualties, and treaties. The narrative that follows--a paragraph or two for minor conflicts and several pages or more for the bigger ones--includes the social and political contexts as well as details of the fighting. The aim in this three-volume set is not an elusive comprehensiveness but rather a representation of wars throughout history, beginning with classical and medieval times and extending to the present. A slightly greater emphasis is placed on North American conflicts, because the intended readership--students, teachers, and the general public--is primarily American. Suggestions for further reading follow each entry, and a general bibliography is included in the final volume. Numerous cross-reference, 60 maps, and a chronology round out the encyclopedia. Phillips and Axelrod, seasoned authors and editors, were joined by seven distinguished historians who either contributed or reviewed the work, which took a decade to prepare. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)