Promotional Information

The most exhaustive, comprehensive compendium of Battles and Sieges - over 8,500 battles covering every period and place of recorded history.

Table of Contents

Preface/Introduction Thematic Index--Battles of the Ancient World to 600AD Alphabetical Listing of Battles and Sieges Bibliography

About the Author

Tony Jaques is an independent scholar. Mr. Jaques was born in New Zealand and graduated in political science, then started his professional life in journalism in New Zealand and London, before moving to political speechwriting. He now works and teaches in the field of Corporate Communication and Issue Management, where he has published extensively, for a Fortune 500 company. A schoolboy enthusiasm for World War II became a lifetime passion for military history in all eras. He is currently a resident of Melbourne, Australia.

Reviews

This impressive three-volume set describes 8,500 battles and sieges from the Battle of Megiddo in 1468 BCE to the battles of the Second Gulf War in 2003. Defining a battle as any clash between organized forces of combatants, the set includes both major battles and minor skirmishes. Although it concentrates on land battles, the dictionary includes a selection of sea and air battles. The name, year, and war associated with the battle are stated at the outset of each 50-60-word entry (a length adhered to for all entries, regardless of the scale or impact of the battle). The entry describes the course of the engagement, the commanders involved, and the outcome. Each entry concludes with the specific date of the battle or siege. Arranged alphabetically, entries are extensively cross-referenced, with boldface type directing users to related entries. The dictionary includes 2,500 cross-reference entries for alternate names of battles. Use of the dictionary is greatly aided by the Chronological Reference Guide, which arranges the battles in chronological order according to the name of the particular war. The dictionary is supported by a 24-page bibliography and a detailed name index. Highly recommended. All levels.
*Choice*

New Zealander Jaques has rendered a great service to history by compiling the most detailed list of battles worldwide ever published. Defining a battle as a clash between organized forces of combatants, he notes that some have been epic engagements lasting weeks and involving millions while others were frontier skirmishes. Entries for the 8500 battles listed include name and date of the battle, name of the war, context, commanders, and outcome.
*Library Journal*

This three-volume work includes 8,500 battles and sieges from the Egyptian-Syrian Wars in 1468 B.C to the second Gulf War of 2003. The author, an independent scholar, was assisted by an editorial board, the international make-up of which reflects the work's focus. Eastern and Western history are given equal space, resulting in a truly comprehensive perspective….[t]his is highly recommended, as the international focus and comprehensive nature will make it a useful source for all students, amateur, and professional historians.
*Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin*

With such a remarkably broad coverage, on nearly every page one suspects that even the specialist in military history will find a battle - and sometimes a ware - that they do not know of.
*Reference Reviews*

This three-volume work alphabetically lists 8,500 individual battles from across the world's recorded history, from the Battle of Megiddo in 1468 BC to the US invasion of Iraq. Making no attempt to distinguish or categorize the different battles, the author includes the following information in the entries: the name and date of the battle, the name of the war and the basic military context in which the battle was fought, the opposing commanders (if known), and the outcome of the fighting. A chronological reference guide to all the battles included precedes the alphabetical entries. An appendix lists significant wars that did not have major recorded battles. A bibliography and an index are also included.
*Reference & Research Book News*

The Dictionary of Battles and Sieges offers readers information they would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else…Jaques' book is truly global in scope, overing East Asia, South Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Africa, Mesoamerica, and North and South America.
*Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard*