Updating their 1998 first edition, Morris (Readings in American Military History) and Kearns (head, bibliographic control, Earl Gregg Swem Library) define the people, ships, planes, locations, munitions, navigation systems, technical terms, and actions shaping the U.S. Navy since Colonial times. Preceding the 600 succinct, fully cross-referenced, paragraph-long entries is a helpful listing of acronyms, ship types, and a naval chronology, which locates branch origins in mid-1775. A 12-page introduction offers an essay-style overview of naval history, subdivided by major engagement. A 45-page bibliography, divided chronologically by conflict, offers a vital springboard to additional research. Essential for naval historians.