Here, in one massive volume, is a complete reference guide to the world's military history from ancient times through 1965. The term "military history" includes not only the narration of wars and combat operations in general but also the concurrent growth of military art itself—its tactics, strategy and weaponry. Each major military event and its effect on world history is covered in exciting, concise, yet complete detail.

This book, in preparation for over a decade, contains twenty-one chapters, each of which opens with a clear, succinct essay summarizing the highlights of the period—outstanding leaders, unusual developments, tactical and strategical trends—followed by a continent-by-continent assessment of wars and battles. Background description and analysis of each major operation place it in political and social perspective. With over 250 maps and illustrations of weapons and fortifications, this is a book to satisfy the interest of the general reader as well as the historian.