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Crucible of War
- The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766
- Narrated by: Paul Woodson
- Length: 29 hrs and 4 mins
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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.
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What listeners say about Crucible of War
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Daniel
- 07-15-18
A Detailed History
Fred Anderson remains one of (and there are not many) best writers on the period just prior to the American Revolution. 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. 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.
Positives:
Woodson delivers decent narration.
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.
Anderson is a good author and the work does more than just relate what happened. 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.
Negatives:
It is a detailed history. Its long and so is probably not what the casual reader/listener is looking for.
Anderson does allow his bias to come through a little more on this work. He is particularly critical of Wolfe and the run-up to the the Battle on the Plains of Abraham. 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.
Recommendation:
If you are looking for an excellent, detailed overview of the French and Indian War, this is your book. Anderson is right that one cannot properly understand 1776 without understanding the events of 1754-1766.
24 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-15-18
Excellent Historical Account
The origins in the American Revolution lay in the 7 Years War. This Anderson's work provides an excellent, in-depth account of that war. He provides the perspective of most participants. It was a fascinating look at a time that few remember or appreciate.
6 people found this helpful
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- Mark Mears
- 04-01-18
The Rest of the Story
I really enjoyed learning so many details from the Seven Years War. So many more Americans played a crucial roll in this conflict, both here and overseas that I was unaware of. Not just George Washington, but Lees, Franklin, Adams and more. British officers who would play rolls in during our Revolution either were involved in the “first world war” or had relatives who did.
Good read/listen.
9 people found this helpful
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- Music City Jim
- 01-07-22
Fills in the blanks
Filled in many of the often not explored confrontations and missteps made by the British, colonialists, French and native tribes that led to the American Revolution. Anderson weaves this detailed narrative with balance and on occasion a bit of humor. A good read for history buffs.
2 people found this helpful
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- Rebecca Lindroos
- 12-11-21
A fine, fine history book!
This book was superb! I'd wanted to read it since it came out but just never did. It was fabulous. It is kind of for historians or history buffs or people who really do enjoy reading history including a lot of military and political history. Woodson gave the book an excellent reading.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 06-16-21
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.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 05-03-19
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.
2 people found this helpful
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- philip
- 12-02-18
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.
2 people found this helpful
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- Will A
- 01-01-22
Good history of the Seven Years War
It is well done and enjoyable. Definitely gets into the details and context of the Seven Years War with both the British and Colonial experiences, politics, and perspectives.
1 person found this helpful
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- Guthron
- 12-31-21
Redefines the Revolutionary War as anything but inevitable.
The author uses a narrative style to explain the complexities of the events that led to America’s revolution by going back to the Seven Years War and opening it up to scrutiny. He opens with a decent explanation of his approach and reasoning, then dives right into the narrative approach.
1 person found this helpful