The Harper Encyclopedia of Military History: From 3500 BC to the Present [Hardcover]

R. Ernest Dupuy (Author), Ernest R. Dupuy (Author), Trevor N. Dupuy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1993

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

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is the latest revision of a meticulous and carefully organized reference work. As in previous editions (the most recent published in 1986 as the Encyclopedia of Military History), this compendium covers armed conflicts since 3500 B.C. This edition expands space devoted to the Near East, including the Persian Gulf War, the Soviet-Afghanistan War, and military operations in Lebanon. The invasions of Grenada and Panama by U.S. forces are discussed. Unlike the last edition (the second revised edition) in which the only new material was an addendum tacked onto the end of the book, revision is found throughout this volume. For instance, weapons used in ancient China receive more attention, reflecting recent scholarship and the author's own keen interest in weapons development. The chronological arrangement of the book fosters an understanding of world history and today's political boundaries and regional conflicts. The broader implications of specific battles and the introduction of new weapons are emphasized.

The encyclopedia's reference value is enhanced by clear line drawings of weapons and battle formations. One hundred seventy-four maps enable users to follow the narrative descriptions of battles and, in many cases, provide geographic orientation essential to understanding the political significance of a battle.

A selective bibliography is limited to books. However, many of the more important research publications are mentioned in the text. The index is divided into three parts: "General Index," "Index to Wars," and "Index of Battles and Sieges." It is an important feature of the encyclopedia since it is the best way to pinpoint information in the chronological arrangement.

This work complements the late Trevor Dupuy's last major effort, the six-volume International Military and Defense Encyclopedia [RBB Ag 93]. As were earlier editions, it will be useful in public and academic libraries.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1376 pages
• Publisher: Harper Resource; 4 Sub edition (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062700561
• ISBN-13: 978-0062700568
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.8 x 2.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #488,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Military

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Single-Volume Military History Book Ever, February 8, 2001

By 

Ram Potukuchi (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Harper Encyclopedia of Military History: From 3500 BC to the Present (Hardcover)

I originally bought this book in 1978 for $25. I only replaced it with the new addition in the year 2001. This book is the definitive one-volume work on military history---nothing else can compare to it. All the battles are there and there are many helpful diagrams. The opposing forces and casualties are listed for almost every battle. Included in the book is an excellent bibliography---if you read every work there you should come out with a thoughrough understanding of military history. I haven't, even after 22 years. If you are a wargamer this is a book you will use frequently. I also recommend it to college students and even graduate students majoring in history. The book is well worth the cost. All the great military leaders are highlighted at the beginning of each chapter. I also liked the author's "Comments" section which is usually given after very important battles and events. I read parts of this book on an almost daily basis and still find out new things. This is the one book I would want on a desert island.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of information for any military history fan., September 26, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Harper Encyclopedia of Military History: From 3500 BC to the Present (Hardcover)

One of the most comprehensive works of military history available, this is a must-have for anyone interested in the subject. Not only does this work detail every significant recorded military conflict since 3500 BC, but it sheds light on the methods, tactics, weapons, leaders, technologies, great captains, and innovations with which these conflicts were fought. Truly, R. Ernest and Trevor N. Dupuy's work should be at the center of any military historian's library, whether he be a serious scholar or just an armchair general.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure, July 28, 2002

By 

Ronald T. Jones (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Harper Encyclopedia of Military History: From 3500 BC to the Present (Hardcover)

I have owned this book, Harper Encyclopedia of Military History, for a number of years and have yet to come across a text of military history exceeding the former in sheer volume of information. Harper is essentially 1500 plus pages of a timeline covering events from 3100 BC to the beginning of the 1990s. Interspersing this timeline are articles analyzing military developments and personalities within each era of coverage. What makes Harper so comprehensive is its detailed inclusion of events beyond Europe. Regions of the world that would customarily recieve scant to no attention in more Eurocentric works dealing with this topic are focused upon with a dramatic vigor that sheds light on leaders and wars unfamiliar to the West.(Given the prevalent ignorance of history, Western leaders and wars may be just as unfamiliar to a disconcertingly large segment of the Western world). This book is a great reference for anyone desiring a concise, year by year account of military operations in any time period. Harper is a tremendous, tireless resource for scholars and military history aficionados in general.