Peter Stuyvesant: Dutch Military Leader (Colonial Leaders (Paperback))

Rating:
Summary: The story of both Peter Stuyvesant and New Amsterdam
Review: From the very start of this juvenile biography for the Colonial Leaders series, Joan Banks makes it clear that Dutch Military Leader Peter Stuyvesant's chief characteristic was stubbornness. Actually, this engaging book is as much about the New Netherlands colony of which "Stubborn Pete" was named governor as it is about the man himself. Stuyvesant, who had lost a leg in a battle, certainly tried to improve the colony in general and the city of New Amsterdam in particular. But Banks also makes it clear that Stuyvesant had his faults; he was quite autocratic and he wanted to ban all other religions besides his own. Banks tells how Stuyvesant protected the colony from Indians and captured New Sweden for the Dutch. In the end, however, he had to surrender to the English and New Amsterdam became New York City. This book is illustrated with historic paintings and drawings, only a few of which actual depict Stuyvesant, as well as some contemporary photographs of both New York and Holland. Peter Stuyvesant is usually mentioned in American History textbooks but this book goes into considerable more detail than what students and teachers would find there. Of course, this book is also of great value to young readers who are researching the early days of what is now New York City.

Rating:
Summary: The story of both Peter Stuyvesant and New Amsterdam
Review: From the very start of this juvenile biography for the Colonial Leaders series, Joan Banks makes it clear that Dutch Military Leader Peter Stuyvesant's chief characteristic was stubbornness. Actually, this engaging book is as much about the New Netherlands colony of which "Stubborn Pete" was named governor as it is about the man himself. Stuyvesant, who had lost a leg in a battle, certainly tried to improve the colony in general and the city of New Amsterdam in particular. But Banks also makes it clear that Stuyvesant had his faults; he was quite autocratic and he wanted to ban all other religions besides his own. Banks tells how Stuyvesant protected the colony from Indians and captured New Sweden for the Dutch. In the end, however, he had to surrender to the English and New Amsterdam became New York City. This book is illustrated with historic paintings and drawings, only a few of which actual depict Stuyvesant, as well as some contemporary photographs of both New York and Holland. Peter Stuyvesant is usually mentioned in American History textbooks but this book goes into considerable more detail than what students and teachers would find there. Of course, this book is also of great value to young readers who are researching the early days of what is now New York City.