e at describing the slowness of American conversations, but it is often entertaining to hear a foreigner analyze and critique the American way of life. Keegan opens the book on a light-hearted tone, indirectly outlining his intentions and goals in writing it. Of all the things Keegan says about himself, one thing oddly seemed missing: why he chose his line of work. Keegan does not write about just American history, so no inquiry is needed as to why he wrote this particular book, but why military history altogether? The second chapter of Fields of Battle, “The Forts of New France,” is rather devoid of any fighting until the end. Keegan describes how, through Cartier and Champlain, France settled in North America. The French did not have large numbers in America - under 100,000 – who did not seek to raise families there either. The French were mostly fur trappers, seeking to make money back home. The English, on the other hand, came to North America to start over and get away from the English monarchy. The English raised large families and got into skirmishes with the natives. Once the English got rid of the Indians, they sought to get rid of the French as well. The first part of the chapter deals with the settling of America by the French and English and the building of forts for the eventual Seven Years War, that the latter part of the chapter covers. The chapter provides a good setup and introduction to all of the conflicts that would eventually erupt in North America. The third chapter of Fields of Battle, “The Fort at Yorktown,” is tough to get through and rather boring, to be frank. Keegan tosses in quite a bit of names and battles that are impossible to remember. Still, it is very informative and provides superb insight into the details of the Revolutionary War and its events. The term boring is used to describe this chapter, because it wholly lacks any of the drama and excitement that accompanies a co...
