This extensive dictionary by Wells (assistant editor, The Journal of Military History; author, Historical Dictionary of World War II: The War against Japan), begins with an excellent essay. It takes a high-level view of WW II in Germany and Italy, and of the roots of the conflict; the essay alone is an excellent resource for anyone looking for a good historical overview. The middle section of the book is in standard alphabetical dictionary format, with the author covering all of the major nations, individual players, and battles of the conflict. The 300-plus entries are concise and well written and include some images and maps. The most important part of this book is the excellent 300-plus page bibliography, complete with its own table of contents. This section contains a myriad of primary and secondary sources that scholars will find extremely helpful in continuing their studies on the conflict and its origins. This volume is a must for public and academic libraries. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.

Choice Reviews

With more than 300 entries, this dictionary is not intended as a comprehensive guide but rather as an introductory work for students with little or no knowledge of the conflict between the 'Grand Alliance' of Great Britain, the United States, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the European Axis, which was led by Germany and Italy and their notorious leaders. Brief battle summaries, biographical sketches, and entries on related topics are included as well as a lengthy introductory essay on the conflict. A chronology of events, a topically arranged bibliography of further readings, and a list of acronyms and abbreviations also are included. The dictionary section of the volume provides cross-referenced entries on the countries and geographical areas involved in the war. Countries that remained neutral as well as wartime alliances, significant civilian and military leaders, and major ground and naval operations are featured. This will be a useful supplemental volume for students and researchers studying World War II and the European theater.

American Reference Books Annual

This is an important reference work on the Second World War in Europe . . . [It's] . . . up to date, especially in respect of its bibliography, and should be regarded as a useful supplement even by libraries that have the earlier work . . . [I]t will form a valuable reference especially for those that have little knowledge of the conflict. The bibliography will probably be the most consulted section in many reference settings, particularly by those in the early stages of research or librarians seeking to check and update their monograph holdings on the conflict.

Reference Reviews

Tackling a massive topic like the Second World War in two volumes is no small undertaking and author Wells. . . .is to be congratulated on completing the undertaking. . . .[L]et it be clear from the outset that this reviewer. . . .was much impressed with this book. . . .Wells writes in a straightforward and very readable, style, lacing her narrative with facts that readily convey the major events of the conflict. For those unfamiliar with the course of the Second World War, this can be recommended as an easily digestible overview. . . .This is an important reference work on the Second World War in Europe. . . .This could then. . . .rival recent major reference works on the war.

Reference Reviews