The Encyclopedia of Military History from 3500 BC to the Present

by R. Ernest Dupuy, Trevor N. Dupuy

An updated and revised version of this classic compendium of the military history of the world.

Genres: History, Military History, Reference, Military Fiction, War, World History, Nonfiction

1248 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1970

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attempting to survey and summarize all military history in a single volume is a daunting challenge, and while there are nits to pick, this is a great go to volume for checking dates, participants, outcome, and the high points on the long arc of human history on the battlefield.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a book you read front to back but, as the title states is a collection of historical events with small descriptions detailing them. This encyclopedia is Excellent when trying to reference a specific time and place. A must have for any history buffs.

[Iain Watson]

The Collins Encyclopedia of Military History by R.Ernest Dupuy (1993) (Fourth Edition)

[Christopher Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know, I know, I know. A book with 'encyclopedia' in the title, probably isn't designed to be read from cover to cover. However, that is what I did and it took me over 6 months to do it. In fairness, it's layout does encourage a 'start to finish' approach. Rather than an encyclopedia of entries in alphabetical order, this starts at the dawn of history and finishes in 1990 just before the book was published. It looks at wars and conflict globally, but splits it into wide geographic areas. So you could if you wish, just concentrate on Western Europe for instance. This is an amazing piece of work. The research, knowledge and scope is truly astonishing. For each war or conflict there is a succinct, purely factual summary which is really useful and enlightening. Just occasionally, the authors will add comments which add fresh insights. For instance, in their opinion, the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (someone I had not even heard of) deserves to be ranked in military history alongside the names of Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar. This is an epic and truly magnificent piece of work. Reading it from start to finish is definitely a once in a lifetime event.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two copies of this book, one has fallen apart with over use over the decades since I first bought it. The other is a more up to date version.

[Bap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers every significant battle in every notable war during a 5,000 year period. I must have read it three or four times. Opinionated, abbreviated, quirky. If you love military histor, this is a must. I turn to the Napoleonic wars, civil war, the campaigns of Ceasar when the spirit moves me just for a taste or to scratch an intellectual itch.

[Curtiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at the events and developments of military history from 3500 BC to 1973 AD.; with readable sidebar entries on a variety of topics. Thoroughly indexed by general topic and by battle/seige.

[Ronald Jones]

No military history encyclopedia I have seen exceeds the depth of information found in the Harper Encyclopedia of Military History. The detailed timelines are interspersed with articles highlighting wars, weapons, tactics and strategy. A superior reference work.