Russell Shorto

Before there were 13 colonies, there was New Netherland. Founded by the Dutch, this tiny community on the edge of the wilderness supported a staggering array of peoples. Surrounded by intolerant Puritans, the colony took its cue from Amsterdam, Europe's most liberal city. Inevitably the Dutch and English clashed--and a new nation was born.

"Since 1666, [Rene] Descartes' bones have been fought over, stolen, and sold--by adherents to both religious and scientific doctrine. But why? The answer lies in Descartes' legendary expression, 'I think, therefore I am, ' which prompted the notion that knowledge can be found in facts, not church teachings. With that seemingly innocuous phrase, Descartes presented skepticism to the world--and profoundly changed the course of humankind."--Container....

A biography of the President who led the country through the stormy years of the Civil War.

"Family secrets emerge as a best-selling author dives into the history of the mob in small-town America. Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a city "in its brawny postwar prime," is where "Little Joe" Regino and Russ Shorto build a local gambling empire on the earnings of factory workers for whom placing a bet--on a horse or pool game, pinball or "tip seal"--is their best shot at the American dream. Decades later, Russell Shorto grew up knowing that his grandfather...

People working in a wide range of performing careers, including a trial lawyer, comedian, dancer, and anchorwoman, describe the daily routines, benefits, and drawbacks of their jobs and the education and training they received.

"Alvin Josephy's biography series of American Indians." Tells of the Shawnee Indian Chief.

A biography of the American naval officer for whom Congress created the rank of full admiral.