Taking Manhattan

‘A riveting, thoroughly researched account of the men and women of Indigenous, Dutch, African, Jewish, and English descent who populated this thriving seventeenth-century port that was the glory of Holland and envy of England. Filled with new knowledge, eloquent prose, and international intrigue, Russell Shorto’s history of Manhattan’s shift from Indigenous hands, to Dutch oversight, to English authority, and ultimately to a state of cultural hybridity, will take your breath away’ - Tiya Miles, author of All That She Carried

‘The flavour of New Amsterdam – pluralistic, capitalistic, pulsing with energy – has survived. The history of how a Dutch town of 1500 people and some 28 languages became the city of New York evaporated along the way. Russell Shorto has heroically recovered it, offering up the 17th century transfer of power as it actually occurred and in vivid detail. Here, amid red-tiled roofs, are secret negotiations; last-ditch, female intermediaries; and, for good measure, a Connecticut alchemist. Best of all, Shorto himself feels everywhere present in these spirited, revelatory pages’ - Stacy Schiff, author of The Witches: Salem, 1692

‘Expertlysheds light on some forgotten characters from history ... An informative and thought-provoking history’ - The Telegraph

'A story rich in intrigue,diplomacy and personalities' - New Statesman

'Through these events, Shorto sees – via new translated sources – the birth of the first modern, multi-ethnic, capitalist and secular city. Leaving room for those who were dispossessed and enslaved, he performs a complex dance with historical revisionism too, offering new perspectives and ideas space to blossom' - Guardian

‘Engaging … Here is the whirligig of history, which Shorto captures vividly in this well-researched, well-written, sprightly book. Anyone interested in what leads to or can forestall wars of empire will find Taking Manhattan a rewarding, instructive read’ - Literary Review

Praise for The Island at the Center of the World:

‘A landmark work … Shorto paints the emotions and attitudes of his characters with a sure hand, and bestows on each a believable, living presence’ - The Times

‘Narratively irresistible, intellectually provocative, historically invaluable’ - Guardian

‘Rattlingly well told – a terrific popular history about a past that beautifully illuminates the present’ - Sunday Times

‘Remarkable … compulsively interesting’ - New Statesman

‘A triumph of scholarship and a rollicking narrative’ - Walter Isaacson