Complementing other titles in the well-regarded ‘Historical Dictionaries of International Organizations’ series, this latest addition provides a serviceable, albeit inevitably incomplete, reference resource. The work follows the typical series format, comprising a chronology, an introduction, and a bibliography rounded out by an estimated 200 alphabetically arranged entries, a highly selective, eclectic mélange of assorted subjects in international relations, ranging from the topical (e.g., several pages on the Afghan wars) to the obscure (e.g., Welsh scholar Alfred Eckhard Zimmern). Of note are the explications of various international relations theories and inclusion of biographies of academic contributors to the field. Written by professor and senior lecturer Lamb and Robertson-Snape (both, Staffordshire Univ., UK), the book has a distinctive British flavor. As a basic companion to (as the authors characterize it) ‘an almost inexhaustible subject,’ eschewing any pretense of comprehensiveness, it fulfills its purpose.... [A]cademic libraries with international relations collections should consider acquiring the book under review, particularly those that have purchased other books in the publisher's ‘Historical Dictionary’ series, as it does fill some gaps.

Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries. All levels.

Choice Reviews

A list of acronyms and abbreviations, chronology, and extensive bibliography are included. Entries consist of biographies of important persons, events, wars, treaties, and related topics. Boldface type within individual essays indicates other entries, and see also references are included at the end of each entry. Recommended for high school and academic libraries.

American Reference Books Annual

The quality of writing is good with complex concepts and ideas clearly explained…. Historical Dictionary of International Relations is an important contribution to Rowman & Littlefield’s family of historical dictionaries and will be a necessary purchase for all libraries where the subject is studied.

Reference Reviews