ravi_meka's review
4.0
Very interesting history of the founding of New Amsterdam, the growth of Manhattan, and the influence of Dutch ideas on America. Unlike Virginia and the New England colonies, very little of this was covered in our textbooks (that I can remember, anyway)
maddyb001's review
2.0
This book's topic was interesting. However, it read like a timeline, not a thesis. I wanted him to try and convince me that the Dutch colony had an impact on America as a whole instead it read more grocery list of historical figures.
miamickut's review
4.0
It’s a little top heavy but overall an interesting history on New Amsterdam from a colonial perspective.
bravelass85's review
4.0
A well-written narrative about the start of our country, and by that I do not mean the English colonies but the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, now the island of Manhattan. What fun to learn all about the Dutch colony and how the culture and systems they established influenced our independence and the very tone and tenor of our country.
mightync's review
5.0
I just love the way Shorto writes; so enthusiastic, at times humorous, but very knowledgeable. After reading Revolution Song, this book caught my eye. I knew about the Dutch colony and a little about Stuyvesant, but didn't realize the extent and influence New Netherland had on the beginnings of our country and the legacy of New York City. Such an interesting and wonderfully written book. Another must-read by Russell Shorto that I highly recommend.
justabookholic's review
4.0
A thorough and intriguing look into the often overlooked origins of a key American colony. As a New York State native, I recall only brief mentions of New York's Dutch beginnings in history lessons but as this book detailed, the influence of the Dutch is highly prevalent in the makeup of New York City. Such made the unique to the more austere and less inclusive English colonies that existed beside New Netherland (now Manhattan). Well-researched and informative, this gave a detailed (and not too long) examination on the creation of the Dutch colony of Manhattan and its eventual passing to English hands.
jasmijn02's review
4.0
Prima geschreven, al ben ik wel eerder gestopt omdat geschiedenis niet per se mijn lievelingsonderwerp is. Lees later wellicht nog verder!