The global scale of World War II and the dramatic ways in which it shaped the world we live in today ensure that it will long be a subject of fascination and research. Its very immensity can make the subject daunting to those who have only a basic understanding of what took place. The compilation of entries within World War II: The Essential Reference Guide offers a comforting yet thorough overview of the significant people, places, organizations, and events of the war.

This single volume work begins with an essay outlining the course of the war and another essay examining its causes. Alphabetically organized signed entries follow. Each entry consists of a substantial essay devoted to a large-scale topic. The entries conclude with a “see also” list of other potential entries of interest and references to outside sources. Illustrations and maps supplement the text and add another layer of understanding. The volume concludes with primary source documents, an appendix investigating historical dilemmas of the war, a chronology of events, and an index.

The structure of the volume is one of its key strengths. Topics are explored in-depth, so that more than just a brief snippet of information is passed along to the reader. The inclusion of primary source material is a welcome addition, and the information on historical dilemmas will provide assistance to students researching these issues. Attention is given to both the European and Pacific theaters of the war. The focus is on the war’s major players and battles, which is to be expected in such a condensed work.

Because this is not an encyclopedia, this work will be of little assistance in providing quick answers to simple questions about the war. That being said, the text is not designed as such. It is designed to produce a more comprehensive exploration of the most significant aspects of the war. As such, academic libraries looking to supplement more traditional encyclopedic treatments of the war may wish to add this to their collections.