The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America
$16.42
Description
Book Synopsis: In a riveting, groundbreaking narrative, Russell Shorto tells the story of New Netherland, the Dutch colony which pre-dated the Pilgrims and established ideals of tolerance and individual rights that shaped American history. "Astonishing . . . A book that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past." --The New York Times
When the British wrested New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664, the truth about its thriving, polyglot society began to disappear into myths about an island purchased for 24 dollars and a cartoonish peg-legged governor. But the story of the Dutch colony of New Netherland was merely lost, not destroyed: 12,000 pages of its records–recently declared a national treasure–are now being translated.
Russell Shorto draws on this remarkable archive in The Island at the Center of the World, which has been hailed by The New York Times as “a book that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past.” The Dutch colony pre-dated the “original” thirteen colonies, yet it seems strikingly familiar. Its capital was cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic, and its citizens valued free trade, individual rights, and religious freedom. Their champion was a progressive, young lawyer named Adriaen van der Donck, who emerges in these pages as a forgotten American patriot and whose political vision brought him into conflict with Peter Stuyvesant, the autocratic director of the Dutch colony. The struggle between these two strong-willed men laid the foundation for New York City and helped shape American culture. The Island at the Center of the World uncovers a lost world and offers a surprising new perspective on our own.
Details
The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America is a riveting, groundbreaking narrative that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past. In this astonishing book, Russell Shorto delves into the forgotten Dutch colony of New Netherland, which pre-dated the Pilgrims and played a significant role in shaping American history.
When the British took over New Amsterdam in 1664, the truth about its vibrant, diverse society began to fade away, replaced by myths of a cartoonish peg-legged governor and an island bought for a paltry sum. However, the story of New Netherland was never truly destroyed. Thanks to recently discovered and translated records, this lost world is now being brought to light.
The Dutch colony, with its cosmopolitan capital and multi-ethnic population, held values that are strikingly familiar today. Free trade, individual rights, and religious freedom were highly valued by its citizens. At the center of this progressive society was Adriaen van der Donck, a forgotten American patriot and influential lawyer. His political vision clashed with the autocratic rule of Peter Stuyvesant, the director of the Dutch colony. The struggle between these two strong-willed individuals not only laid the foundation for New York City, but also helped shape American culture.
Discover a lost world and gain a surprising new perspective on our own in The Island at the Center of the World. This fascinating book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the untold stories that have shaped our nation.
Get your copy of The Island at the Center of the World and experience the captivating journey through forgotten history that will change the way you view America's past.
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