This update to the 1980 work of the same name and companion to the 2005 Historical Dictionary of Revolutionary America shifts focus from political, economic, and social issues to the world of the battles and diplomacy, 1775-1783. With this focus, author Mays (professor of political science at the Citadel) is able to cover more ground than other titles similar in nature. Mays argues that the American Revolution itself represents three types of war--namely, a colonial war, a civil war, and a world war--and the current volume deftly covers each aspect. Prefaced by several black-and-white maps of battles as well as a brief chronology and an insightful introduction, the more than 1,000 A-Z, cross-referenced entries range from topics that are monumental to those largely forgotten to all but specialists. These include battles (for example, Blue Savannah, Poundridge, Saratoga, Yorktown); generals (Burgoyne, Lafayette, Washington); and forts (Galphin, Motte, Ticonderoga). Also covered are topics from diplomacy, including diplomats and treaties. Appendix 1 is composed of five documents, including the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Treaty of Paris (1783), while appendix 2 lists present-day Revolutionary battle sites. The most useful aspect of the volume for students and academics is the 150-plus page, subject-arranged bibliography, which includes monographs and articles on campaigns, diplomacy, individual states, leaders, the Continental army, and naval warfare.

With the focus on the martial side of the Revolution, the potential audience for this reference could be small. However, with lucid, concise entries and a high degree of searchability, this work will fit nicely into all military collections and academic collections of Revolutionary history.