Taking Manhattan tells the story of the birth of New York City as a center of capitalism and pluralism, a foundation from which America would rise. It also shows how the paradox of New York's origins—boundless opportunity coupled with subjugation and displacement—reflects America's promise and failure to this day.
Russell Shorto tells the story beautifully, and makes a compelling case for its enduring importance ... It is hard to love the city and to recognize its horrors. But it is possible; there is proof; Russell Shorto has done it.
It works just as well as its beloved predecessor ... Shorto narrates it all in equal parts well-placed color commentary and periodic pauses for breath ... Shorto excels at intensely-concentrated asides that serve wonderfully to propel the story forward ... Deftly-placed bits of droll humor.
Mr. Shorto’s method is to tell backstories in vivid and sometimes creative detail ... More compellingly, the author’s creative license renders Stuyvesant three-dimensional, very much in contrast to the Dutch leader’s historical reputation as a severe Calvinist and despot.
