A simple and easy way to get your mind around Australia's military history, written by leading military historian David Horner.

More people are visiting Gallipoli and walking the Kokoda Trail each year - now find out why. This complete guide helps you trace the story of Australia's involvement in war, from colonial conflicts with the Indigenous population, through the First and Second World Wars to peacekeeping initiatives in East Timor and the controversial conflict in Afghanistan.

• Find out the origins of Australia's military history - go all the way back to the arrival of the First Fleet and the conflicts with the Indigenous peoples
• Learn about the heroism of the ANZACs - discover the origins of the legend of Gallipoli, and how the brass bungled the campaign
• Discover the horrors of war - consider the suffering and huge losses on the Western Front
• Recognise the successful battles of the First World War and Second World War - follow the Diggers' exploits in Palestine and Syria, and at Tobruk and Alamein
• Marvel at the grim jungle battles - track the Diggers through New Guinea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam between 1942 and 1972
• Admire Australia's efforts to repel possible invaders - learn how Australians defended their country against the Japanese during the Second World War
• See how the Cold War heated up - witness the fight against communism in the Korean and Vietnam Wars
• Appreciate the modern-day Australian Defence Force - acknowledge the courage of the men and women who protect us into the 21st century.

Details: Non-fiction, published 2010.

Format: Soft cover, illustrations (photographs, maps), 442 pages.

Dimensions: 23.4 cm (h) x 18.5 cm (w) x 3.6 cm d) / 1,020 grams.