Weapons of Mass Destruction : An Encyclopedia of Worldwide Policy, Technology, and History

Rating:
Summary: Top Notch: Young Adult Reference
Review: Weapons of Mass Destruction: An Encyclopedia of Worldwide Policy, Technology, and History, 2 volumes by Jeff Larsen, James Wirtz, Eric Croddy (ABC-CLIO) (1-85109-495-4 On-line e-book, see publisher)

The first accessible reference to cover the history, context, current issues, and key concepts surrounding biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.

The United States has conducted some 900 atomic tests since 1945 and has stockpiled enough smallpox vaccine to inoculate most of the U.S. population. The topic of weapons of mass destruction is perhaps the most controversial subject of our time. Policy debates require understanding of key issues, concepts, and events.

A collection of information on everything from aerosols to zones of peace, these two volumes cover historical background, technology, and strategic implications of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, thus providing facts, terms, and context needed to participate in contemporary policy debate. This encyclopedia is the only comprehensive reference dedicated to the three types of weapons of mass destruction.
With over 500 entries arranged alphabetically, volume one covers biological and chemical weapons, while volume two focuses on nuclear weapons. Experts from eight countries cover issues related to these weapons, policies, strategies, technologies, delivery vehicles, arms control concepts, treaties, and key historical figures and locations. Entries are written to make difficult concepts easy to understand by cutting through military and scientific jargon. Students, lay readers, scientists, and government policy makers are provided with the broad range of information needed to place today's policy discussions in proper strategic or historical context.
Title Features
Over 500 A-Z entries written by 95 international experts, organized in two volumes divided by types of weapons
Timeline that covers leading political, military, and weapons-specific events since 1945
Excerpts from key international documents
Combined index (with volume numbers noted) at the end of each volume
Includes numerous illustrations and photographs
Highlights
The only comprehensive reference of policies, events, places, technical terms, and historical context regarding weapons of mass destruction
Volumes organized by like weapons so each can be used independently to study the topic or weapon of particular interest
Alphabetical listings and combined indexing in each volume provide an increased ability to browse and quick access to specific entries