Allow me to pull a quote from the book. "In the early morning hours of May 28, 1754, at a place now called Jumonville Glen 45 miles east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a young Virginia militia officer led his men in an unprovoked attack against a force of French soldiers just stirring from sleep. The officer was George Washington. In that one moment, Washington, according to Horace Walpole 'set the world on fire.'"

The French and Indian war was a groundbreaking struggle and increased British dominance in the New World, though there was a price to pay, and that was increased tension and unrest in the Colonies. It also set the scene for the American Revolution just a decade or so later, and contributed directly to the first global conflict; the Seven Years' War.

Adversaries from vastly different backgrounds had to adapt to challenges of the very different tactics of their opponents as well as a the rugged North American terrain. Battles ran the gamut from forest warfare, plains campaigns, city sieges and standard open battles. All were fiercely fought.

The author, William J Fowler Jr, provides a battle by battle guide to the conflict. This comprehensive account of the armies, tactics, battles and personalities for the French and Indian War is one that has not been done in the popular press for a considerable number of years. The inclusion of period paintings as well as contemporary maps and illustrations makes this a superb reference and an exhilarating read. It is a book you can buy with confidence.

April 2007

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