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Book Review of The War of the Spanish Succession: The History of the Conflict Between the Bourbons and Habsburgs that Engulfed Europe

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Charles Rivers should be proud of this publication because it is interesting without being stuffy. The writing was clear and entertaining. Sometimes, authors put too many facts together, so the understanding is lost in the haze of points. That is not the case in this book.

The story is straightforward; this war lasted for an incredible thirteen years (Jul 9, 1701 â Sep 7, 1714). However, no one wanted war because it occurred after the Nine Year's War ((1688â1697). As a result, Philip V remained King of Spain but was removed from the French line of succession, thereby averting a union of France and Spain. The Austrians gained most of the Spanish territories in Italy and the Netherlands.