Editor Tucker taught for 30 years at Texas Christian U., then for six years at his alma mater, Virginia Military Institute, before retiring from teaching to devote time to creating references that document US military involvement in various parts of the world. Appropriate for a general readership high school level and above, this reference comprises five volumes: the first four contain A-Z entries, and the fifth contains an interesting selection of 142 documents, each with an introduction by editor Priscilla Mary Roberts (history and American studies, U. of Hong Kong). The approximately 950 entries pertain to U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, defined loosely so as to extend to such countries as Somalia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan; and coverage includes military and diplomatic activities as well as social, political, economic, and cultural background and issues. The entries focus on individuals, events, groups, organizations, places, ideas, movements, policies, weapons, and treaties, and are typically one to three pages in length. Entries are signed, and each includes references and cross references; many are supported with well-chosen b&w photos. The subject index for the whole set is repeated in each volume, which is handy, but surprisingly, the list of entries by category appears in the end matter of the fourth volume (rather than right up front in volume 1 where it would be more useful). Appendices include a chart of military ranks; description of military medals, decorations, and awards; a chronology; a glossary; and a bibliography (not classified). Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)