- Published: 30 November 2011
- ISBN: 9781446449271
- Imprint: Vintage Digital
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 448
1759
The Year Britain Became Master of the World
A remarkable new book on a crucial moment in British and world history.
Although 1759 is not a date as well known in British history as 1215, 1588, or 1688, there is a strong case to be made that it is the most significant year since 1066. In 1759 - the fourth year of the Seven Years War - the British defeated the French in arduous campaigns on four continents and also achieved absolute mastery of the seas.
Drawing on a mass of primary materials - from texts in the Vatican archives to oral histories of the North American Indians - Frank McLynn shows how the conflict between Brtiain and France triggered the first 'world war', raging from Europe to Africa; the Caribbean to the Pacific; the plains of the Ganges to the Great Lakes of North America. It also brought about the War of Independence, the acquisition by Britain of the Falkland Islands and, ultimately, the French Revolution.
- Published: 30 November 2011
- ISBN: 9781446449271
- Imprint: Vintage Digital
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 448
About the author
A marvellous book: elegantly written, convincingly argued and packed with fascinating detail... it will do much to restore 1759 to its rightful place among the great years of British history
Saul David, Sunday Times
An erudite and delightful literary and philosophical romp
Herald
McLynn's feisty and highly personal take on the pivot point of the Seven Years War adds fresh perspectives to the old story
Stephen Brumwell, Times Literary Supplement
A stylish and fascinating account of the first global struggle
New Statesman
Splendid
Guardian
Magnificent
Sunday Express
Fascinating
History Today
Makes a great case for a better appreciation of this, the fourth year of the Seven Years' War
Jad Adams, BBC History Magazine
Robust, intelligent, panoramic history at its best
Andrew Lycett, BBC History Magazine
Frank McLynn is clearly one of those historian-writers so prolific and versatile that he makes you wonder why Simon Schama doesn't pull his finger out
Independent on Sunday
