Title
The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America,New
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
In a riveting, groundbreaking narrative, Russell Shorto tells the story of New Netherland, the Dutch colony which predated the Pilgrims and established ideals of tolerance and individual rights that shaped American history.'Astonishing . . . A book that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past.' The New York TimesWhen the British wrested New Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664, the truth about its thriving, polyglot society began to disappear into myths about an island purchased for 24 dollars and a cartoonish peglegged governor. But the story of the Dutch colony of New Netherland was merely lost, not destroyed: 12,000 pages of its recordsrecently declared a national treasureare now being translated. Russell Shorto draws on this remarkable archive in The Island at the Center of the World, which has been hailed by The New York Times as a book that will permanently alter the way we regard our collective past.The Dutch colony predated the original thirteen colonies, yet it seems strikingly familiar. Its capital was cosmopolitan and multiethnic, and its citizens valued free trade, individual rights, and religious freedom. Their champion was a progressive, young lawyer named Adriaen van der Donck, who emerges in these pages as a forgotten American patriot and whose political vision brought him into conflict with Peter Stuyvesant, the autocratic director of the Dutch colony. The struggle between these two strongwilled men laid the foundation for New York City and helped shape American culture. The Island at the Center of the World uncovers a lost world and offers a surprising new perspective on our own.
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⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main topic of 'The Island at the Center of the World'? A: 'The Island at the Center of the World' explores the history of New Netherland, a Dutch colony that pre-dated the Pilgrims and played a significant role in shaping American ideals of tolerance and individual rights.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Russell Shorto, who is known for his engaging narrative style and thorough research into American history.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is available in paperback binding, which is ideal for easy handling and reading.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Island at the Center of the World' have? A: The book contains 432 pages, providing an in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is classified as 'Used Book in Good Condition', ensuring that it is still readable and intact.
- Q: When was 'The Island at the Center of the World' published? A: The book was published on April 12, 2005.
- Q: What themes does this book cover? A: The book covers themes of tolerance, individual rights, and the cultural complexities of early New York, highlighting the impact of the Dutch colony on American history.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone interested in American history? A: Yes, this book is highly suitable for readers interested in American history, particularly the colonial period and the influence of the Dutch on the development of New York City.
- Q: Are there any notable figures discussed in the book? A: Yes, the book discusses significant figures such as Adriaen van der Donck, who is portrayed as a progressive lawyer and patriot in the Dutch colony.
- Q: What makes this book a valuable read for history enthusiasts? A: The book is valuable for its groundbreaking narrative and use of newly translated archival records from New Netherland, offering fresh insights into a lesser-known aspect of American history.