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

Would make a great blockbuster film !

As much history of this period I have studied; this is first I’ve ever heard this amazing multifaceted story. Although the author’s narration is a bit mono-tonous; his thoroughly researched account kept me glued from beginning to end.

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.

The Birth of America’s First Cosmpolitan City - Brilliantly Told

What a wonderful, thrilling story. With feeling, care and clarity Russell Shorto unspools the events that shaped New York as British and Dutch interests merged in the late 1600’s and shaped the beginnings of New York. While celebrating the achievements of the early settlers, Shorto also explains the desperate pain and suffering of Black slaves and native peoples. There is much to discover here.

Informative narrative of Early New York

An entertaining and informative telling of the exploration of this northeastern region of North America and a presentation of the settlements in and around New York City by Europeans of several countries. Also, a respectful and sensitive consideration of the participation and plight of Native Americans throughout the eras discussed.

A love story to New York (warts and all)

I will listen to anything Russell Shorto writes and narrates. His work is well-researched and portrays figures with compassion, even as he doesn’t let them off the hook. Do yourself a favor: listen to this and his entire backlist.