Anderson is right that one cannot properly understand 1776 without understanding the events of 1754-1766. Recommendation: If you are looking for an excellent, detailed overview of the French and Indian War, this is your book. Crucible of War In this engrossing narrative of the great military conflagration of the mid-eighteenth century, Fred Anderson transports us into the. The criticism is not unwarranted but its seems forgotten that a great deal of France's military strategy in North America centered on what they themselves called 'savage war.' In many instances, Anderson adheres to the usual interpretation of personalities and events. He is particularly critical of Wolfe and the run-up to the the Battle on the Plains of Abraham. You can read this before Crucible of War: The Seven Years’ War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754. Anderson does allow his bias to come through a little more on this work. Here is a quick description and cover image of book Crucible of War: The Seven Years’ War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754 1766 written by Fred Anderson which was published in February 15, 2000. Its long and so is probably not what the casual reader/listener is looking for. He takes us 'into the weeds' when necessary to gain an understanding of the personalities at work and the repercussions of both good and bad decisions made on the battlefield without losing sight of the bigger picture. Anderson is a good author and the work does more than just relate what happened. A detailed history of a forgotten global conflict that would make England the greatest power on the planet since the Empire of Rome and, ironically, sow the seeds of revolution within her colonies. Positives: Woodson delivers decent narration. That being said, those looking for a more concise history would be better suited to Anderson's 'The War That Made America.' I consider myself something of a history nut, especially 18th Century American history, and so this book was exactly what I was looking for.

While this is, by the author's admission, a very long book it still stands as one of the better detailed history of the French and Indian War and the run-up to the Revolution. Fred Anderson remains one of (and there are not many) best writers on the period just prior to the American Revolution.

Crucible of War by Fred Anderson