: The final section distinguishes this work from standard encyclopedias by offering:

Detailed profiles of the of the century.

focusing on the "factors of change"—the technological and tactical shifts that fundamentally altered how wars were fought. Historical Significance

Forty’s work captures a century defined by the "democratization of war," where conflicts shifted from professional army engagements to total wars involving entire populations. The book tracks this transition from the horse-drawn logistics of the early 1900s through the mechanized horrors of the World Wars to the electronic and asymmetrical warfare of the late 20th century. Critical Reception

While largely intended for students of military history and general enthusiasts, the work is noted for its clarity and the inclusion of black-and-white photographs and maps that aid in visualizing complex maneuvers. It is often used as a foundational tool for basic orientation in the security and military history of the period. PDF celého čísla - Národopisná revue

: The core of the book functions as a dictionary of military history, explaining battles, technical equipment, and specialized military terminology in accessible language.