New York: Penguin Books, 2005.
Anderson has written a longer work on the French and Indian War, Crucible of War, which is considered an important work on the subject. Anderson has become such an acknowledged expert on the subject that he was brought in as an adviser for a PBS special. This book serves as a companion to that special; it might also double as a de facto 'abridged' version of his award-winning work.
As a stand-alone volume, this book is a fine addition to the literature aimed at the general reader. Anderson writes well and entertainingly, and the volume is richly illustrated and includes an ample number of useful maps. Brevity does not mean incompleteness; this is no mere chronological recitation of battles and diplomatic intrigue.
The locus of the war is found not in London or Paris, or even in colonial capitals, but in the world of the Indians of the West who will be more detrimentally affected by the outcome of what would end up being a world war. The concept of the Middle Ground, and the centrality of Iroquois diplomacy in colonial conflicts, are no longer novel in historical circles but for many general readers this is still eye-opening and unexpected information.
Anderson has a great eye for character; he brings many of the participants alive with empathy, humor, and an appreciation for the shared humanity of Indian, Euro-American, British, and French participants.
As a stand-alone volume, this book is a fine addition to the literature aimed at the general reader. Anderson writes well and entertainingly, and the volume is richly illustrated and includes an ample number of useful maps. Brevity does not mean incompleteness; this is no mere chronological recitation of battles and diplomatic intrigue.
The locus of the war is found not in London or Paris, or even in colonial capitals, but in the world of the Indians of the West who will be more detrimentally affected by the outcome of what would end up being a world war. The concept of the Middle Ground, and the centrality of Iroquois diplomacy in colonial conflicts, are no longer novel in historical circles but for many general readers this is still eye-opening and unexpected information.
Anderson has a great eye for character; he brings many of the participants alive with empathy, humor, and an appreciation for the shared humanity of Indian, Euro-American, British, and French participants.
In short, there are more complete versions of this story available, but not necessarily more well-informed; and at any rate this one is as readable and enjoyable as a reader could hope.
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