Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: War. 2 vols. 737p. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2008. 978-14144-3114-7; 2007-33628. $220.

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: War This straightforward survey of American military history examines 15 periods of conflict, ranging from the wars of the northeastern Indian tribes with the Puritan settlers of Massachusetts to the War on Terror. For each conflict, the causes, leaders and chief events are described in substantial entries detailing careers, battles, tactics and strategies. Efforts also are made to present each war in the context of domestic and international affairs. From the Revolution through the Gulf War, the major wars of the American republic are presented, including long running conflicts with Native Americans and the Soviet Union. A brief appendix also describes American interventions and peacekeeping missions around the globe. The balanced coverage introduces the salient features of each conflict and provides an excellent overview of American military history. All told, more than 400 succinct entries describe major campaigns, individual battles, opposing commanders, domestic politicians, foreign leaders, treaties and legislation, as well as protest and political movements. Numerous illustrations, maps and sidebars provide an additional sense of the periods discussed. While most academic libraries will possess more exhaustive encyclopedias on many of the conflicts covered, this student encyclopedia will introduce the whole of American military history without drowning the reader in detail. The succinct coverage and consistent arrangement reflects the design for the publisher’s new series of topical encyclopedias on American history. A companion set on government and politics is already available. Each set is highly appropriate for public and high school libraries.
—John R.M. Lawrence