Title: The best read in a long time
Review: Shorto has written the history of the Dutch colony centered on Manhattan from roughly 1609 to 1644. It doesn't sound like an interesting tale, but it is fascinating. Additionally, Shorto is a skilled writer whose prose is equal to that of any fiction writer. Furthermore, you learn that this short episode in American history is really the foundation of our sense of tolerance and equality. Our republic and Constitution (with Bill of Rights) is more related to the Dutch theory of government than the English prototype. Shorto shows us that the Revolution was fore-ordained by our Dutch experience. (The Canadians, who are so much like us, did not have this Dutch treat). This is a great book. Do not neglect it.
Is this product review negative?