The Seven Years War occurred between 1756 and 1763, when European and allied armies fought each other in America, India and Europe itself, creating one of the first global conflicts. However, late eighteenth century rebellions in France and North America - which produced, amongst others, the Napoleonic Empire - have often overshadowed the Seven Years War. Consequently, this new volume from Osprey has a rich body of history to work from, and a potentially important educative role to play.

Marston's book begins with a short introduction to the conflict, followed by a swift background section outlining the regions and nations that participated. Such information should be fundamental, but the text is too brief, especially for the beginner. The Seven Years' War then continues with an examination of the tactics used - particularly the nature and function of line formations - as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each army. Both these latter sections add greatly to the book, although a paragraph on the use of the musket would have added greater support.

Marston's narrative begins with an account of the military maneuvers that started the war before continuing on a yearly basis, whereby Marston discusses events in the theatres of Europe, North America and India separately, before moving onto the next year and beginning again with Europe. This approach allows students to jump quickly to their areas of study, and transforms what can be a confusing mix of continents into a clearly understandable history. Crucially, and despite the lack of an integrated examination, Marston manages to tie these separate regions together.

The text is easy to read and full of little details, such as the number of combatants. The final sections of the book includes a look at the life of a soldier and nurse who fought in the conflict, as well as an essential examination of the civilian and economic costs; a basic conclusion finishes. As with all of Osprey's Essential Histories, the book is glossy with plenty of pictures - especially of uniform - and maps throughout. However, The Seven Years' War is very much a pure military introduction of said conflict, as the political dimension is largely absent. There is little information on the rulers and nature of the countries involved, details which have been included - albeit necessarily sparsely - in other Essential Histories volumes.

Indeed, The Seven Years' War betrays the limitations inherent in Osprey's common 96 page format because, while other 'Essential' books leave the reader with both a desire to read deeper into the subject and several possible starting points, this edition leaves them wishing for a few extra pages to round things off: a larger context and more maps would have been welcome. Conversely, Marston has made good use of documents and manuscripts, introducing these elements in a firm, and educational, manner for which he is to be praised. Overall, The Seven Years' War is a solid introduction to the military side of the conflict, whose maps and pictures should inspire any reader, and upon which any further study can be hung.