The island at the center of the world

Russell Shorto uncovers the surprising and crucial role of the Dutch in the founding of America, predating the thirteen original colonies. Based on 12,000 pages of newly translated centuries-old documents, this work reveals a forgotten society centered on Manhattan. Shorto's narrative blends historical scholarship with a novelist's storytelling, stripping Manhattan of its modern facade to reveal a wilderness island that became a prize in a global power struggle. This account offers a fresh perspective on America's beginnings, highlighting the clash between English and Dutch powers and Amsterdam's liberal influence.