The Island at the Center of the World

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. UPDATED EDITION WITH A NEW PREFACE AND POSTSCRIPT "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