A Timely and Important Reference : The Swiss historian Jean Jacques Babel has estimated that the 5,500 years or so of recorded history have witnessed a meager total of 292 years of peace, and few of those were ever so storied as the years of conflict. This is more apparent now than ever before, as the war with Iraq leads people to examine the nearly continuous conflicts that have occurred in the Middle East for thousands of years. War is one of the most important topics of study-without looking at past mistakes, accomplishments, and endeavors, humankind will never learn how to live in peace. Places Wars in Their Historical Context : The first reference work of its kind, Encyclopedia of Wars describes not only the military aspect of wars-the causes of conflict, an enumeration of battles, and a summary of the outcome(s)-but also the social and political context in which the wars occurred. This provides readers and researchers with the important facts as well as the historical background for each war. From the Crusades to the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War, this three-volume encyclopedia covers every major war, rebellion, and revolution from 3,500 BCE to the present. Valuable Content in an Accessible Format : In three comprehensive volumes and approximately 2,000 A-to-Z entries, this definitive resource provides more thorough, complete coverage than any other encyclopedia. Each entry begins with an at-a-glance look at the war in question, including a statement of the causes of the war; the date of its declaration, if any; the numbers of those under arms and the casualties they suffered; a summary of the outcome(s); and the names and dates of the treaties or documents ending the conflict. Following this, a narrative discussion of the war examines its social context, major battles and events, and broader significance in cultural and historical terms. Suggestions for further reading follow each entry, providing easy access to more detailed information, and a general bibliography of major texts on war is included in the final volume. Numerous cross-references, 60 maps, and a chronology make this attractive and informative encyclopedia highly accessible. Especially useful to students and teachers of history at all levels as well as general readers and war buffs, Encyclopedia of Wars is an invaluable addition to any history collection. About the Author Charles Phillips is the author or coauthor of numerous works on history and culture, including My Brother?s Face: Portraits of the Civil War, What Every American Should Know About American History, and Facts On File?s Encyclopedia of Historical Treaties and Alliances, Second Edition. Alan Axelrod is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including the Encyclopedia of the American West, Patton on Leadership, and Facts On File?s Encyclopedia of the American Armed Forces and Encyclopedia of Historical Treaties and Alliances, Second Edition. Table of Contents Volume 1 : List of Entries List of Maps Contributors and Reviewers Acknowlegements Introduction Entries A to F Volume 2: Entries G to R Volume 3 : Entries S to Z Chronology Selected Bibliography