Top Military Reference Encyclopedias and Guides

The best Military Encyclopedias includes World Encyclopedia of Fighter Aircraft: Illustrated History, Weaponry: A Visual History of Arms, History Map Collection: 3-Book Box Set and many others as mentioned below.

1

World Encyclopedia of Fighter Aircraft: Illustrated History

  • Comprehensive guide to fighter aircraft history.
  • Over 170 illustrated fighter aircraft profiles.
  • Expert insights by author Francis Crosby.
  • Detailed specification boxes for every aircraft.
  • 600 stunning photographs, many previously unpublished.
  • Covers aircraft from World War I to present.
  • Glossary of aviation terms included for reference.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.05
2

Weaponry: A Visual History of Arms

  • Comprehensive history of arms and armor.
  • Stunning photography showcases weaponry evolution.
  • Covers 4,000 years of weapon development.
  • Includes ancient to modern weaponry types.
  • Detailed catalogs with specifications for each weapon.
  • Profiles influential warriors and fighting forces.
  • Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.75
3

History Map Collection: 3-Book Box Set

  • Beautifully packaged 3-book slipcase collection.
  • Over 100 detailed maps in each book.
  • Engaging infographics enhance historical understanding.
  • Chronological timelines provide event context.
  • Features profiles of key historical figures.
  • Authenticated by The Smithsonian Institution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $67.84
4

World Encyclopedia of Tanks & AFVs

  • Comprehensive A-Z guide of tanks and AFVs.
  • Features over 400 detailed vehicle profiles.
  • Includes 1200 wartime and modern photographs.
  • Expert specifications for each vehicle included.
  • Ideal for military history enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Visually engaging and informative layout.
  • Perfect gift for tank and vehicle lovers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.04
5

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives and Swords

  • Comprehensive history of sharp-edged weapons.
  • Features 1500 stunning color photographs.
  • Covers knives, swords, daggers, and more.
  • Includes 750 detailed weapon examples.
  • Expert descriptions of origins and specifications.
  • Essential for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
  • Explores ancient to modern weaponry evolution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.28
6

The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns

  • Comprehensive guide to firearms through history.
  • Features 1100 detailed photographs of various guns.
  • Covers military, antique, and law-enforcement firearms.
  • Explore pistols, rifles, revolvers, and machine guns.
  • Authoritative resource for firearm enthusiasts and collectors.
  • In-depth historical context accompanies each firearm.
  • Perfect for reference or casual reading enjoyment.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.34
7

The Encyclopedia of Warfare Box Set

  • Comprehensive overview of military conflicts throughout history.
  • Chronologically arranged entries for easy reference.
  • Over 5000 entries on wars, empires, and campaigns.
  • In-depth narratives of battles and military strategies.
  • Features 600+ full-color maps for visual context.
  • Accessible for both students and general readers.
  • Reflects latest insights from military historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $50.58
8

The World Encyclopedia of Rifles & Guns

  • Comprehensive historical overview of rifles and machine guns.
  • Includes over 500 military and antique firearms.
  • Visual directories for easy identification of weapons.
  • Explains development through centuries to present day.
  • Covers notable models like Lee Enfield and M1.
  • Profiles designers and manufacturers of firearms.
  • Organized by country with detailed weapon features.
  • Price Range: $25.00
9

Visual Encyclopedia of Ships by David Ross

  • Comprehensive guide to over 1200 ships.
  • Covers ships from ancient times to present.
  • Illustrated with 1200 color images.
  • Chronological arrangement for easy comparison.
  • Includes military and civilian vessels.
  • Features timelines of design and development.
  • Essential reference for maritime enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $41.90
10

World War I Book (DK Big Ideas, Hardcover)

  • Explore key battles and turning points of WWI.
  • Learn about tactics and technologies used during conflict.
  • Discover the war's historical background and causes.
  • Profile over 90 significant events surrounding the war.
  • Experience the horrors and realities of trench warfare.
  • Engaging text paired with bold, striking imagery.
  • Part of the Big Ideas Simply Explained series.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.60
11

Kingfisher History Encyclopedia

  • Award-winning reference for the entire family.
  • Completely revised and updated edition available.
  • Chronological organization for easy navigation.
  • Includes biographies of significant historical figures.
  • Features art, architecture, and technology highlights.
  • Over 2,000 full-color illustrations and photographs.
  • Essential for home, school, or library use.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.33
12

Truck: The Complete Visual Guide (DK Definitive Histories)

  • A stunning visual history of trucks and trucking.
  • Explores innovation from steam wagons to modern vehicles.
  • Showcases iconic models and brands through the decades.
  • Highlights trucking culture and its impact on society.
  • Features detailed photographic catalogs and visual tours.
  • Documents technological advancements in the trucking industry.
  • The ultimate book for truck enthusiasts and historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.05
13

Simple Sabotage Field Manual [Revised Edition]

  • Reprint of the original 1944 declassified manual.
  • Created by the United States Office of Strategic Services.
  • Focuses on subtle disruptions in enemy operations.
  • Emphasizes simple, everyday acts for maximum impact.
  • Offers insights into covert warfare strategies.
  • Historically significant for understanding unconventional tactics.
  • Ideal for military history enthusiasts and strategists.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.97
14

Roman Republic Battles Compendium 502-31 B.C.

  • Comprehensive overview of Roman battles from 480-31 BC.
  • Based solely on ancient texts and sources.
  • Concise and clear battle descriptions for easy understanding.
  • Original writers' accounts presented without embellishment.
  • Essential reference for Roman military studies.
  • Ideal for students and enthusiasts of history.
  • Trusted by scholars and reviewers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
15

Warfare: The Complete Visual History (DK)

  • Comprehensive history of warfare over 5,000 years.
  • Features diverse imagery: paintings, photos, artifacts.
  • Includes thematic spreads on warfare topics.
  • Highlights personal accounts from soldiers and civilians.
  • A valuable reference for military enthusiasts.
  • Engaging narrative with supporting features throughout.
  • Perfect gift for history and warfare lovers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $40.00
16

Fighting Ships of the World 2025: M-Z

  • Comprehensive information on global warships.
  • Covers ships from Maldives to Zimbabwe.
  • Includes ships in service and under construction.
  • Data as of January 1, 2025.
  • New ship commissioning details as of March 2025.
  • Features verified side view drawings.
  • Performance characteristics of each ship included.
  • Price Range: $48.03
17

Fighting Ships of the World 2025: A-M

  • Comprehensive guide to global warships.
  • Covers fleets from Albania to Malaysia.
  • Includes ships in service and under construction.
  • Data updated as of January 1, 2025.
  • New ship commissioning details for early 2025.
  • Features verified side view drawings for classes.
  • Part one of a two-part annual series.
  • Price Range: $53.92
18

Military Helicopters Encyclopedia: 80 Years of Rotorcraft

  • Comprehensive history of military helicopters.
  • Covers over 80 rotorcraft from various manufacturers.
  • Includes detailed specifications for each helicopter.
  • Illustrated with over 500 photographs and drawings.
  • Focuses on helicopters used since World War II.
  • Authoritative overview for enthusiasts and professionals.
  • Easy-to-understand A–Z directory format.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.37
19

Fifty Ships That Shaped History (A Nautical Exploration)

  • Chronological exploration of influential ships throughout history.
  • Beautifully illustrated with photos, diagrams, and maps.
  • Balances scholarly analysis with engaging storytelling.
  • Covers diverse vessels from ancient to modern times.
  • Highlights ships' impact on trade, war, and exploration.
  • Accessible to readers interested in maritime history.
  • Innovative perspective on cultural and historical development.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
20

World Encyclopedia of Knives & Blades

  • Explores history of knives, daggers, and bayonets.
  • Features over 350 examples of edged weapons.
  • Includes more than 700 detailed photographs.
  • Perfect for collectors and weapon enthusiasts.
  • Covers tools from ancient to modern times.
  • Beautifully presented and visually engaging resource.
  • Insightful for anyone interested in historical weapons.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.00
21

IC Tech Spec for SCIF Construction

  • Comprehensive technical specifications for SCIF construction.
  • Meets Intelligence Community standards ICS 705-01.
  • Facilitates protection against unauthorized access.
  • Ensures uniform use across all IC elements.
  • Guidelines for new construction and renovations.
  • Enhances information sharing capabilities within the IC.
  • Applicable to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.25
22

Small Arms Visual Encyclopedia [Martin Dougherty]

  • Comprehensive guide to historical small arms.
  • Features over 1000 detailed weapon illustrations.
  • Includes famous models like M-16 and Colt .44.
  • Full-color artworks showcase each weapon's details.
  • Specifications include origin, weight, and dimensions.
  • Accessible for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
  • Rich reference work for small arms enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $36.93
23

World Encyclopedia of Firearms: 500+ Illustrated Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to over 500 firearms.
  • Illustrated historical overview of small arms evolution.
  • Features military, law enforcement, and antique firearms.
  • Visual directories for easy identification.
  • Specifications for each firearm included.
  • Grouped by country of origin for convenience.
  • Ideal reference for firearm enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.00
24

National Geographic Illustrated History of the World

  • Comprehensive visual encyclopedia of world events.
  • Richly illustrated with thousands of images.
  • Timeline highlights key historical events and dates.
  • Accessible layout ideal for casual readers.
  • Includes biographies of notable historical figures.
  • Four gatefolds showcasing major historical moments.
  • Perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $26.94
25

2024 United States Operational Law Handbook

  • Comprehensive guide for national security law practitioners.
  • Focuses on junior and midlevel judge advocates.
  • Includes tactics and techniques for operational contexts.
  • Not a substitute for official legal references.
  • Compatible with joint and combined military doctrine.
  • Originally published in 1987, updated for 2024.
  • Helps address diverse legal and practical issues.
  • Price Range: $29.99
26

World Encyclopedia of Battleships (500 Photos)

  • Comprehensive history of battleships from 1860 onwards.
  • Features over 500 rare and archival photographs.
  • Covers Dreadnoughts, battleships, and battle cruisers.
  • Country-by-country directory of notable battleships.
  • Specifications for over 150 historical ships included.
  • Insightful facts about famous naval battles.
  • Essential reference for naval history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.90
27

Rikusentai: Illustrated Encyclopedia of Japanese Forces

  • Comprehensive reference on Japanese Naval Landing Forces.
  • Based on wartime documents and officer memoirs.
  • Analyzes development and organization of landing forces.
  • Features rare and unseen historical photographs.
  • Details weapons and equipment used in combat.
  • Chronicles forces' rise from 1920s to WWII.
  • Unmatched accuracy and visual detail throughout.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $24.95
28

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords

  • Comprehensive history of swords and sabers.
  • Over 800 stunning color photographs included.
  • Explore edged weapons from around the world.
  • Features Napoleonic swords and cavalry sabres.
  • Includes American polearms and naval cutlasses.
  • Visual directory for easy weapon identification.
  • Perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $35.00