Published in 1999, the first edition of this work is now revised and enhanced with supplementary information that became available during the past two decades because of archival declassifications and new historical, political, social, and cultural interpretations of the Cold War. Accessing the primary-source historical documents along with new records has become feasible in different countries, and the communist era is being revisited by scholars worldwide. This second expanded edition by historians Smith (Univ. of Exeter, UK) and Davis (Bronx Community College) includes references to recent historical research and writings that shed new light on the 1945–91 period. The authors' introduction explores the origins of the Cold War; the major players; the parties; the political and military figures and strategies involved; their mission, goals, and objectives; and the collapse of a system that reached a global impact and significance with consequences that will continue to mark the 21st century. The year-by-year chronology is followed by alphabetical entries featuring civilian or military leaders, politicians, and countries the conflict affected. An essay discussing the variety of sources included and their contribution to Cold War historiography precedes the ample bibliography. This second edition augments college and academic library collections supporting historical research in political sciences and foreign relations and in Slavic, Eastern European, and Soviet studies.

Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers.

Choice Reviews

Authors Joseph Smith and Simon Davis have captured the essence and madness of the ‘balance of terror’ of the Cold War in the second edition of Historical Dictionary of the Cold War.... This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about this crucial period in history and is appropriate for high school, community college, university, and public libraries.

American Reference Books Annual