Dictionary of Modern War [Hardcover]

Edward N. Luttwak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1971

With over 1,100 entries in A-to-Z format, this comprehensive guide is an authoritative reference on every aspect of modern military conflict. Written by experts, the in-depth entries explain everything from general military vocabulary to weapons systems, military organizations, technologies of modern warfare, and more.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allen Lane; First Edition edition (September 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713901306
• ISBN-13: 978-0713901306
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,720,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward N. Luttwak is senior associate (non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He has served as a consultant to numerous government offices including: the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. He is the author of numerous books and articles including Strategy and Politics, The Endangered American Dream, and Turbo-Capitalism: Winners and Losers in the Global Economy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Useful Reference, October 20, 2001

By 

Daniel Singer (Annapolis, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A dictionary of modern war (Hardcover)

In the introduction, Luttwak states that 'The Dictionary of Modern War' is really more of an encyclopedia. This book is full of definitions and short discussions of thousands of military platforms and tactical/strategic concepts.
For readers unfamiliar with the military this book will provide a wealth of information. A more knowledgeable reader will probably know the concepts and terms discussed(Airland Battle, Screening, etc.), but will still find this book useful for information about weapons platforms, which are discussed thoroughly, including many obscure/unusual weapons of war.
This book is not without fault; its nomenclature is inconsistent, referring to weapons sometimes by number(M60, aka the Patton) and sometimes by name(Abrams, aka the M1). This book has a highly extensive section on nuclear weapons and terminology.
Overall this is a good reference work, with valuable information for dilettantes and serious students of war alike.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Researched, May 9, 2004

By 

Alex Salazar (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A dictionary of modern war (Hardcover)

This book is a good refference for subjects pertaining to modern warfare, whether they be equipment, tactics, specifications, etc. Even though the book was written in 1990 the vast majority of the topics discussed play an active role around the world today. Very useful and descriptive.