A superb examination of the events leading to the American Revolution. Don’t be put off by the length of the book - Anderson’s fine writing and exhaustive research will keep you glued to the page, with notes that are equally as engrossing. Highest recommendation! — Louise Jones
Shortly after its publication in 2000 this superlative work received near unanimous praise as the finest single volume history of what Winston Churchill called history's first world war. 5 years later and that description remains unchallenged. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War (much of which occurred right here in greater New England, northern New York, and eastern Canada)it is important that this ferocious global conflict be properly understood as much more than just a prelude to the American Revolution. Fred Anderson correctly sees the Seven Years War (its European name) as the pivotal event that created the British Empire, altered world history for nearly two more centuries, and whose influence continues to be felt even at the start of the 21st century. This is not to denigrate previous historians'American emphasis. Indeed the war was accidentally started in 1754 by a 22 year old American by the name of George Washington. (Anderson's prologue concerning young George at Jumonville's Glen is simply first rate.) And later North American battles, sieges, and "massacres" also make for dramatic and compelling reading. Indeed, readers of Francis Parkman will find themselves on familiar terrain and aided by superlative maps and illustrations. With the exception of gross misunderstanding and distasteful racism regarding the role of Native Americans in the war, Parkman and his earlier cohorts weren't wrong in what they wrote; rather it seems that they chose to gloss over and bypass events which didn't occur in the New World. Fred Anderson corrects and expands the Indian role and brilliantly tells us the rest of the story as it unfolded on continents around the globe. — Bill Lewis