Crucible of War

Crucible of War: The Seven Years’ War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754–1766

By Fred Anderson

862 pages, soft cover: $20.00

ISBN 0-37570-636-4

Reviewed by Robert L. Rogers

Since I have begun attending Colonial events, I have been on the lookout for books on that era. When Fred Anderson's Crucible of War turned up on the "New Books" shelf of the local library, I eagerly snapped it up.

Anderson's massive book contains 862 pages, with over 740 pages of text. He includes nine very useful maps at the front of the book that help the reader understand the discussion of events in the Caribbean, India, Europe and North America. The book is well-documented with 85 pages of notes, many of which are from primary sources. The notes are extensive in nature and are very helpful in pointing the interested reader to further sources. There are also 63 illustrations, period maps and portraits of participants. Anderson includes many excerpts of diaries, and I liked the fact that he used the original spelling and grammar of the participants. However he did not clutter up the quotations with “[sic],” the use of which can be quite annoying.

The book begins with Washington's encounter with the French at Jumonville Glen and ends with a discussion of the repeal of the Stamp Act. Between these events is an extensive narrative and analysis not only of the military aspects of the war, but also of other related events. For example, the author discusses political maneuverings in, and between, the Colonies as well as between the political factions in Parliament. The worldwide aspects of the war are often left out in many books, but Anderson presents the broader aspects of the conflict in detail with the result that the reader gains an understanding of how the global war shaped events in North America. Anderson also does a fine job explaining the complex Indian diplomacy, especially between the Iroquois and other nations.

Some of Anderson's conclusions are sure to cause further discussion and research, especially amongst readers of this magazine. For example, Anderson postulates that Wolfe had no real strategy after his frontal assaults failed on the outskirts of Quebec. He states that illness affected Wolfe's relations with his subordinates and lead to haphazard decision‑making regarding the battle on the Plains of Abraham or the events leading up to it. Montcalm's reputation is tarnished when Anderson concludes that Montcalm needlessly alienated both his Canadian and Indian allies, and he concludes that Rogers’ Rangers were not nearly as effective as their French and Indian counterparts in scouting and obtaining intelligence.

Readers of MUZZLELOADER will find much of interest (and to argue about) in this book. Crucible of War could easily become the standard text on the French and Indian War for some time to come. Get a copy and dig in!

Crucible of War is available from all major booksellers.