This “illustrated history” - more accurately, a “history with illustrations” of warfare is a comprehensive guide to conflicts in the Western World from antiquity to 1995. It highlights notable battles, campaigns, strategies, weapons development, armor, the nature of armies over time, and the technological advances that affected all of it. Using maps, diagrams, photos, and text boxes for special topics (such as “medieval military earthworks” and “the etiquette of atrocity”), the book covers the following:

Introduction: The Western Way of War
Genesis of the Infantry
From Phalanx to Legion
The Roman Way of War
On Roman Ramparts
New Weapons, New Tactics
The Gunpowder Revolution
Ships of the Line
Conquest of the Americas
Dynastic War
States in Conflict
Nations in Arms
The Industrialization of War
Towards World War
The West at War 1914-1918
The World in Conflict
The World at War 1941-1946
The Post-War World

A very helpful glossary at the back of the book gives you an idea of what the different weapons are (from trebuchet to flintlock musket, to minie bullet) what the different divisions are of an army (such as century, maniple, division, brigade), and even some phrases important to conflict such as “Ho Chi Minh Trail” and “Maginot Line.”

Evaluation: This excellent summary of important aspects of conflicts in the West makes a great addition to any library. ( )