A Dictionary of Military History (and the Art of War)

From Aeneas Tacitus to Zhukov, this is the most comprehensive dictionary of military history and military science to have been published. It covers those people, battles and campaigns, wars, countries, institutions and weapons that have fundamentally affected the nature and development of warfare. It also has a particular concern with civil-military relations and the role of armed forces in society. From the Hellenic period to the present day, including the questions of chemical and biological weaponry raised in the conflict with Iraq, the dictionary has comprehensive coverage of military history for students, scholars, specialists and general readers alike.

Originally published in French under the title Dictionnaire d'Art et d'Histoire Militaires, the new English language edition is expanded and completely revised and updated. All entries now carry full lists of recommended reading, and bibliographies have been thoroughly updated to include the latest literature. Many bibliographical entries have been added, as well as accounts of individual campaigns and battles. A main feature of the book is its broad thematic entries on such topics as naval and air warfare, as well as strategy, ballistics and other specialized topics.

List of Contributors to the French Edition vii

List of Contributors to the English Edition ix

Acknowledgements xi

Illustration Acknowledgements xii

Abbreviations xiii

Notes on Dates xvii

Introduction to the French Edition xix

Introduction to the English Edition xxiii

A Dictionary of Military History A – Z 1

Index 879

"Recommended for libraries with a strong collection in military history." Library Journal

"Admirably comprehensive and offers useful bibliographies after each article." The Times

"Corvisier's excellent one-volume reference source for military history is ideally suited for an academic audience. Highly recommended for academic collections." Choice

André Corvisier is Professor Emeritus at the University of Paris-Sorbonne.

John Childs is Professor of Military History at the University of Leeds.

From the Battle of Actium to Zhukov, this is a wide-ranging, international reference book of new military history. It deals with the people, battles, campaigns, wars, countries, weapons and institutions which have fundamentally affected the nature and development of warfare. The book has a particular concern with civil-military relations and the role of armed forces in society. Its principal strength lies in the broad, thematic entries which synthesize modern interpretations of the history of such topics as naval and air warfare, strategy, pensions, mobilization, recruitment, losses of life, economic warfare, military families, and chemical and biological warfare.

Originally published in French under the title Dictionnaire d'art et d'histoire militaires, the new English version has been completely revised and updated. Additional entries and new material have increased its length by over 20 per cent. All entries now carry full lists of recommended reading drawn from the latest literature. In addition to the expansion of the original articles, many biographical entries have been added, as well as accounts of campaigns and battles.

From the Hittites and Assyrians to the Gulf War, the Dictionary presents a broad coverage of military history for students, scholars, specialists and general readers.