The French and Indian War

Deciding the Fate of North America

By: Walter R. Borneman

Narrated by: Jonathan Yen

In the summer of 1754, deep in the wilderness of western Pennsylvania, a very young George Washington suffered his first military defeat, and a centuries-old feud between Great Britain and France was rekindled. The war that followed would be fought across virgin territories, from Nova Scotia to the forks of the Ohio River, and it would ultimately decide the fate of the entire North American continent—not just for Great Britain and France but also for the Spanish and Native American populations.

Noted historian Walter R. Borneman brings to life an epic struggle for a continent—what Samuel Eliot Morison called "truly the first world war"—and emphasizes how the seeds of discord sown in its aftermath would take root and blossom into the American Revolution.

©2006 Walter R. Borneman (P)2023 Tantor

Good, detailed, history… But

... the author has a long way to go before his writing is in the league of Freeman, Foote or Wil and Ariel Durant… Just a name a few....But I liked the author's premise… That this was the first world war...and despite Kind of a technical plod through the events in personalities, it is well worth Read. The narrator's voice, however, seems totally unsuited to the reading.

What a like in a lesser known history book

Book was well done. They hit all parts of the prewar, the war itself, and post war. They don't get bogged down in unnecessary parts and the author makes a good point showing the global aspects to the conflict. Plus had a nice hat tip to last of the mohicans! Recommended for a history person.

Outstanding Survey of French & Indian War

Not exhaustive nor encyclopedic but it does include discussion of contemporaneous debates and happenings in both London and Paris (and Prussia, Austria, Russia and Spain, India, Phillipines, Sumatra, Caribbean amongst the most notable). Author makes the compelling argument that the Senen Years War, as it was known everywhere else, was the first world war. In most respects the war in America became a sideshow, much like the War for Independence became a generation later. Like all books that are engaging the reader can wish it was longer, more detailed and answered more questions than it raised. The narration was great insofar as it was hardly noticed--no misproununciations, not monotone, but also not histrionic. Nothing to interfere with the readers concentration. Not an introduction, but a very good continuing discussion of the wider issues. For me it was a refresher and whets my apitite for more knowledge.

The details of the history

I liked the book and performance. the readers voice could have been a little smoother and deeper.

Quality content

Bormeman does a very nice job presenting the details of this war from the perspectives of all involved.