mychaelann's review against another edition
2.0
I tried for months and just could not get into this one!
patpotato's review against another edition
1.0
it took me 532 years to finish wanted to set it on fire afterwards
he really really wanted to make a 300pg book out of that thesis but he failed
he really really wanted to make a 300pg book out of that thesis but he failed
claire_jpg's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
patricia_an's review against another edition
4.0
American culture is Dutch! Who would have guessed. Actually, as I become friends with some Dutch people over here in Europe, it makes a lot of sense.
The author brings historical figures to life and does a fine job supporting his thesis. Because of his writing, I was able to imagine Manhattan as an island and see the native Americans and settlers from Europe and the Caribbean converge and interact. Eye-opening, entertaining, sad and fun.
The author brings historical figures to life and does a fine job supporting his thesis. Because of his writing, I was able to imagine Manhattan as an island and see the native Americans and settlers from Europe and the Caribbean converge and interact. Eye-opening, entertaining, sad and fun.
rroseking's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
I had to read this for my senior seminar and am currently writing a paper about how I don't agree with Shorto's take on Dutch tolerance in New Netherland. However for a pop history book it is informative. I am just not a fan of the glossy analysis.
amygeek's review against another edition
5.0
Highly recommended, especially for New Yorkers, or people who are interested in American history. I'm going to read his new book about Amsterdam based on what I learned about the Dutch in this book.
lsquare28's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Wonderful telling of the little-known history of New Amsterdam (the precursor to New York City). For people familiar with NYC, this book is a great source for the origins of many of the neighborhood names!
ravi_meka's review against another edition
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)