This reference work serves as a comprehensive guide to the individuals, battles, and political developments that have shaped the Canadian military experience. Authors David Bercuson and Jack L. Granatstein, both distinguished historians of Canadian defense policy, leverage their extensive academic backgrounds to synthesize complex historical events into accessible entries. The book provides a structured framework for understanding the evolution of Canada's armed forces from colonial conflicts to modern peacekeeping operations.

Historians and students of Canadian history frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for clarifying specific military events and figures. The prose is noted for its clarity and precision, making it an accessible resource for both academic researchers and general readers interested in the nation's defense heritage.