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.

A deep, brilliant work.

A deep dive into the circumstances and motivations involved in the decades preceding the American revolution. Replete and lush, I listened to it twice. Great narration.

Long but really interesting

Was skeptical that a book of this length on this topic would keep my interest. But, I liked it. And much of what I learned in history classes about the seven years war was crap. This book tells the story of the first global war as more than prologue to the American Revolution. This war shaped the future of North America, the indigenous peoples who lived there, America, Canada, Britain, Spain and France.

Worth The Credit

This book is well worth the credit. Not only is it a great history on the French & Indian War, but it sets the basis for the Revolution and explains the origins and why,

Excellent History of our Pre-Revolutionary War

Outstanding content! This history really filled in the gaps of my understanding the causes of our split with Great Britain. Good narration, but I increased speed to 1.3 to move through all the details at a more entertaining pace for me.
I consider this a very thorough and important work.