A history of Dutch Schenectady.This is the fascinating story of the Dutch community at Schenectady; a village that grew out of the wilderness along the northern frontier of New Netherland in the 1660s. Drawing upon a wealth of original documents; Thomas E. Burke Jr. renders an engaging portrait of a small but dynamic Dutch village in the twilight years of the New Netherland colony. Despite the proximity of the Mohawks; Schenectady’s residents—when they were not quarreling amongst themselves—made their living more from farming and raising livestock than trading. Due to a scarcity of labor; Schenectady became one of the most diverse and energized communities in the region; attracting servants and tenant farmers; and paving the way for slavery. Its northern frontier location; however; made it a vulnerable target during the many conflicts between the French and English that erupted in the late seventeenth century. Bringing Schenectady fully out of the historical shadow of its larger neighbor Albany; Burke reveals both the intricate depths of a small Dutch village and how many aspects of its story mirrored the broader histories of New Netherland and New York. This second edition of the classic history features a new introduction by William Starna; which updates key research and issues that have arisen since its initial publication.“Early New York’s frontier emerges in all its fascinating complexity in this classic account of Schenectady’s first half-century. Deftly interlacing the stories of Native Americans; Dutch; English; and Africans to show how each played a part in the community’s evolution; Thomas Burke pioneered the kind of shared history that is now prized by those who study colonial America.†— Joyce D. Goodfriend; University of Denver
#1107114 in Books 2007-01-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .95 x 5.51l; 1.19 #File Name: 1432701657428 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. what age group?By avid reader U.S.I give this book a 4 -- I am only half way through reading..I ask what age group this book is for as it is easy reading which I do not mind; BUT... on page 129 the brawny Jewish blacksmith has killed a soldier and says "Nobody messes with my apprentice". That was off-putting for me. Up until then I had enjoyed reading the book. With those words; a movie audience would get excited and yell but for my taste I could not relate to the words as being said way back when as it sounded like an Indiana Jones movie.Later... I have now finished reading the book and found it entertaining and I enjoyed the military planning that the 'hammer' used. I had originally given the book a 3.5 but have upped the rating to a good solid 4. I am pleased that I did not find other 'silly sentences'.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I liked this historical novel what is accurate in historical events ...By Vladimir KhaymovichI liked this historical novel what is accurate in historical events and some fictional personages makes the book a very interesting reading.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. AwesomeBy GCMomOther than reading with my child; I had not read a book in a long time (years). I am so glad I picked this one; it's a real page turner! I had a hard time putting it down. The author knows how to weave a story that is gripping; exciting; and historical at the same time. Plus; it was a glimpse into the lives of people that I had previously known nothing about. The historical detail given by the author helped me visualize and understand the time period of the characters in the story.Be warned that it is graphic. There are a lot of battles; blood and gore; all in detail. But there is also tenderness; friendship; loyalty. So many good points that made this such an awesome book to read. (Not suited for children.)
