1759
The Year Britain Became Master of the World
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
This “splendidly narrated” chronicle of the British Empire’s ascent during the French and Indian War “will enthrall all lovers of history told well” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
If not for the events of 1759, the history of the modern world would have been drastically different. Called the “Year of Victories,” 1759 was the fourth year in the Seven Years War (also known as the French and Indian War). Marshalling an impressive wealth of historical research into a sweeping narrative, award-winning historian McLynn reveals how the French defeat of 1759 paved the way for the British Empire and the dominance of the English language.
McLynn interweaves numerous primary sources, from the Vatican’s archives to Native American oral histories. Each chapter begins with an examination of a significant cultural milestone from the fateful year in question, providing essential human context for this tale of nations. With provocative insight and rigorous argument, McLynn concludes that the birth of the British Empire was a consequence more of luck than of rigorous planning.
“McLynn’s feisty and highly personal take on the pivot point of the Seven Years War adds fresh perspectives to the old story.” —The Times Literary Supplement
“Magnificent.” —Sunday Express
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"The entire history of the world would have been different but for the events of 1759," McLynn (Wagons West; Napoleon; etc.) argues in his stylish account of a year crowded with scheming, battles and British conquest. That year was the fourth in the Seven Years War, a struggle between France and England for global dominance that was fought worldwide. McLynn focuses on the deadly conflict, contrasting the two nations' differing wartime policies and showing how the combination of Britain's maritime prowess and sheer good luck helped it emerge triumphant, albeit by a narrow margin. Elegantly explicating the geopolitical tensions, military technology, tactics and topography behind each battle, McLynn portrays the leadership of stalwarts on both sides. He also reveals various military blunders and maligns the often celebrated Gen. James Wolfe, who took Quebec for Britain on the Plains of Abraham. McLynn brilliantly delineates the cat-and-mouse maneuvering of the duke of Choiseul, intent on invading Britain, and his dupe, Bonnie Prince Charlie, intent on Jacobite restoration. He leads each of his fascinating chapters on the campaigns with a tantalizing taste of the general cultural scene in 1759, ranging from literary innovations such as Laurence Sterne's novel Tristram Shandy to the ethics of Orientalism. Splendidly narrated, with balanced insights into the Native American aspect of the French and Indian Wars, McLynn's book will enthrall all lovers of history told well. 16 pages of b&w illus. not seen by PW.
