This two-volume reference provides concise and accurate summaries of the terms of about 200 specific international treaties and their effect on signatories, as well as extensive excerpts from the treaties themselves. Arranged chronologically from ancient Mesopotamia to the present, each chapter begins with a summary of the important trends and events in international relations of the relevant era. Entries on specific agreements contain the date of the document's signing, a list of its signatories, and a brief summary of its terms. A narrative discussion outlines the historical context, identifies the essential positions of the signatories, and summarizes the document's significance. Types of treaties relate to concluding wars, trade, the environment, armaments, human rights, scientific exploration, and others. Axelrod and Phillips have written numerous works on history and culture. Appropriate for high school, college, and the general reader. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less