An accurate collection of the major ( and some minor) battles that shaped history ... Nicely documented, but like all "dictionary" is not necessarily an easy read , plus it is addressing a certain readers group who have a passion for world history. A nice feat is the list at the end of the book that is presenting in chronological order the battles - stating from antiquity and ending with the 1st gulf war. ... to cut it short if you are interested in history you might want to have this dictionary on your bookshelves.