100 Decisive Battles

What if the Saxons had triumphed over the Normans in the Battle of Hastings? If Washington had lost the Battle of Trenton? If Lee had won at Gettysburg? If the Germans had held the Allies at bay in Normandy? The world would be a much different place today.

Surveys the one hundred most decisive battles in world history from the Battle of Megiddo in 1469 B.C. to Desert Storm, 1991.

From David and Goliath in biblical times to the recent military actions in Iraq, great battles have an enormous impact on the shaping of history. Now, in this beautifully illustrated reference work, one hundred of the world's most important military confrontations from 1469 BC to 1991 are described in detail. 100 Decisive Battlesgives us not only the cold, hard facts about each battle but also their historical context.

Each entry provides the name and date of the battle, the commanders, the size of their forces, and their casualties. A description of the battle plan and the military action are carefully discussed, and each description closes with a valuable consideration of how history was affected by the outcome of the conflict. Among the battles presented are the Battle of Thymbra (546 BC), the Battle of Chalons (451 AD), the Battle of Cajamarca (1532), the Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954), and the Tet Offensive (1968). And, accompanying maps and interesting sidebars help orient us to each military action.

Global in scope, with excellent coverage of American, Central American, Asian, and Middle Eastern battles, this work will appeal to all those interested in world history. It is also essential for all military buffs with its stirring entries on familiar battles as well as many lesser known, yet still exciting, military conflicts.

About the Author:
-Paul K. Davis is Lecturer at the University of Texas and at St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

KLIATT

This should enjoy a wide circulation among all audiences. Students of war will appreciate the breadth (from the first battle reported by an eyewitness account in 1479 BC to Desert Storm, 1991 AD). History lovers will applaud the detail given to conflicts that are granted minimal space in history texts (e.g., Tours 732 AD, Blenheim 1704, Singapore 1942). Reluctant readers with an adventuresome streak will appreciate the length (generally only 5 pages per battle). All will approve of the comfortable writing style. The Table of Contents is a chronological one-page cornucopia. The reader can choose based on time, location, or particular war. Some engagements, such as Gettysburg 1863, will be generally familiar. Others, including Sekigaghara 1600, won't be. Each selection follows the same general pattern. In an introductory statement, the commanders, the size of the opposing forces, and the historical importance of the battle are presented. Three longer sections follow this. The first is the Historical Setting, which places the action politically, militarily, and geographically. The second section is entitled The Battle. Here, the actual fighting (strategy, leaders, troop deployments, etc.) is discussed. Most selections have maps (a definite asset) and some have additional illustrations. The final section is entitled The Results. Here, casualty counts, winners/losers, and short and long term results are examined. The final paragraph looks at how the battle helped to shape the future of the world. Sometimes these conclusions are surprising. The detailed bibliography and the nine-page index will be helpful for research projects. Unfortunately, there are no pronunciation aids to help withTenochtitlan, Hsiang-yang, et al. (a minor inconvenience). Good for research, in-depth study, or a "quick read." KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1999, Oxford Univ. Press, 462p. illus. maps. bibliog., $18.95. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Prof. John E. Boyd; Jenkintown, PA , September 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 5)

Paul K. Davis is Lecturer at the University of Texas and at St. Mary's University in San Antonio.