Taking Manhattan

The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America

By: Russell Shorto

Narrated by: Russell Shorto

One of Literary Hub's Most Anticipated Books of 2025

The author of The Island at the Center of the World offers up a thrilling narrative of how New York—that brash, bold, archetypal city—came to be.

In 1664, England decided to invade the Dutch-controlled city of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. Charles II and his brother, the Duke of York, had dreams of empire, and their archrivals, the Dutch, were in the way. But Richard Nicolls, the military officer who led the English flotilla bent on destruction, changed his strategy once he encountered Peter Stuyvesant, New Netherland’s canny director general.

Bristling with vibrant characters, Taking Manhattan reveals the founding of New York to be an invention, the result of creative negotiations that would blend the multiethnic, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. But the birth of what might be termed the first modern city is also a story of the brutal dispossession of Native Americans and of the roots of American slavery. The book draws from newly translated materials and illuminates neglected histories—of religious refugees, Indigenous tribes, and free and enslaved Africans.

Taking Manhattan tells the riveting 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, whose work has been described as “astonishing” (New York Times) and “literary alchemy” (Chicago Tribune), has once again mined archival sources to offer a vibrant tale and a fresh and trenchant argument about American beginnings.

“Shorto's revelatory sequel to The Island at the Center of the World … Readers will be wowed.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

©2025 Russell Shorto (P)2025 Recorded Books

Excellent narrative non-fiction

Shorto always brings deeply researched subjects to light in a compelling style. I particularly liked how the history was told from the viewpoints of a variety of Dutch New Yorkers.

Great explanation of which countries battled for conquered land and people.

It is an epic story of the origins of the now-called New York City and the displacement of the original inhabitants.

VERY INTERESTING Early History of New Netherland/New York

I especially enjoyed the focus on the lives of some the important people who "made history " during the 17th-18th century.

Excellent Story Telling

I loved both books in this series. I read these books multiple times. The stories really engage the reader. I could not put it down. As a descendent of Huguenots of New Rochelle (also the Mayflower and Puritans) I found it very interesting history that was largely unknown. I really liked learning about how diverse these settler and native groups were and how they worked for/against each other. Going into this book I was afraid it would be much more woke than the prior considering the politics of the time and other hints that was where it might lead. It was more woke than the prior book but manageable. I felt the history was honestly told. Not the usual woke storylines we’ve heard a million times but an honest assessment. It’s a great book regardless of your political beliefs.

Richness of Early American History w/all its nooks and crannies.

Yet another great listen authored by R Shorto. It's wonderful to get information that moves past the narrow reading I was taught in the 60's of how America and esp the New York area came about. It makes so much more sense to me as opposed to those pilgrim/turkey cutouts we were offered up as children. Thanks for this, esp now in the turmoil of today's political upheaval. A panoramic knowledge of history is our only way to go forward towards harmony on all levels. We need to know all sides. This one is spot on for me.

Outstanding story of the shaping of early New York

Russell Shorto narrates this superb sequel to his "Island at the Center of the World"