Crucible of War

The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766

By: Fred Anderson

Narrated by: Paul Woodson

Length: 29 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In this vivid and compelling narrative, the Seven Years' War - long seen as a mere backdrop to the American Revolution - takes on a whole new significance. Relating the history of the war as it developed, Anderson shows how the complex array of forces brought into conflict helped both to create Britain's empire and to sow the seeds of its eventual dissolution.

Beginning with a skirmish in the Pennsylvania backcountry involving an inexperienced George Washington, the Iroquois chief Tanaghrisson, and the ill-fated French emissary Jumonville, Anderson reveals a chain of events that would lead to world conflagration. Weaving together the military, economic, and political motives of the participants with unforgettable portraits of Washington, William Pitt, Montcalm, and many others, Anderson brings a fresh perspective to one of America's most important wars, demonstrating how the forces unleashed there would irrevocably change the politics of empire in North America.

©2000 Fred Anderson (P)2018 Tantor

Phenomenal Book

Essential for understanding the roots of the Revolution. Extremely well researched, detailed but still an easy listen. Must read/listen.

Only caveat: the narrator has a brutal whistle on his "s"s... It'll sting the ears, but keep you awake if driving!

Important history

Perhaps more important now, during a time when attacks seem to be thrown towards generic groups of people without a basis of historical facts, Crucible of War provides amazing insight to North American and pre-1776 history

Very well done

I was looking for a book to explain the fighting in North America primarily. As a military history buff I would of loved to learn more about battles in Europe. more on that in a bit.

The author covers the entire North American conflict including politics and culture beautifully. As you read early American history you constantly hear about Braddocks disastrous march as well as Washingtons first war experience. I wanted to learn more and Crucible was great in that respect.

The only thing lacking was details on the war in Europe. Highly recommend regardless.

Superb

The Seven Years War -French and Indian War doesn’t get enough attention except as a prelude to the American Revolution. This is a well researched, well written narrative that any history buff would love. The best book available in the subject.

Great scholarship

It's hard to imagine a more thorough history that would encompass the personages and events of this time more completely and and in such compelling style.

Rewards a Determined Listener

It's a detailed account of a truly momentous conflict that is really hard not to get into if you have any love of history at all. There are some fascinating details, and riveting turns of fortune memorably told. The book and author has a good reputation as far as I can tell, so you can let the author spin his tale and not worry so much about the trustworthiness of the information.

A few bones to chew on: the language is somewhat dated and hard to follow if you are someone who likes to listen to audiobooks casually. You will HAVE to do some outside reading and study some maps. Even after that it can be frustrating at times. For one particularly egregious example, there is Latin that was an inscription on a medallion ordered struck by a general for his men - but the Latin isn't translated!... Terms of art, some quite dated I think, used for military and diplomacy are quite regularly bandied about by the author, for example "bringing a contract to foot" and suchlike, or various terms for different types of gun or old-fashioned bullet/projectile that, I'd assume, you probably don't immediately recognize, but would be able to understand after a quick rundown. Well, you're on your own I'm afraid.

Also, a personal opinion, but I found it to be pretty heavily weighted towards the British perspective and especially light in the Indian perspective, usually favoring a French vs. British framing. The emphasis you come to expect is usually the story of a man in the prime of his life in leadership. Everything else gets a little lost in the shuffle. I can't say more than this given what little I know about history.

The reading is good overall but same minor sorts of complaints.

Don't let me dissuade you, this is a great book/audiobook! You'll probably find yourself interested in learning more about other things going on during this period.

Excellent Account of the Seven Years' War

Fred Anderson makes a compelling case that the Seven Years' War was the most important event in Western World History during the 18th Century. Unlike most academic writers, he is a marvelous spellbinding writer. He draws you into his account with the very first chapter where Anderson describes an event where George Washington himself inadvertently is drawn into a fiasco that is cited as one of the reasons for engaging in the Seven Years' War, a war which Churchill called the first World War.

Too much work

There was too much background information which caused this rich storyline to get bogged down. It was a constant struggle for me to stay engaged. I marked the book as finished once it completed 1760.

extensive

The narration is clear and concise. The author is clearly an expert on the subject and plays no favorites for any side in this conflict. That said, there is so much here that the serious student will likely need to replay much of this. The dillitant may find it a bit overwhelming.

Wonderfully researched and written

This is an amazing book that covers an overlooked period in American history. The author does an absolutely steller job of putting together a complicated narrative covering many decades and with many protagonists.

I can't say enough good things about this book. Buy it and enjoy.