This month Roberta talks to Russell Shorto about his new book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America, which drawing on deep archival research to offer a fresh take on America’s beginnings and the transfer of power in the region from the Dutch to the British. 

Rebecca Fraser of the Times Literary Supplement says of the book:

"Shorto is earnest, humorous, intellectual, intense and high-minded. . . Any reader curious about New York, and the unique energy and warmth of its inhabitants, will be fascinated by Russell Shorto’s highly enjoyable reconstruction of Manhattan Island’s transition to English rule."

Things we talked about in this episode:

• New Netherland Institute
• Island at the Center of the World
• The New Amsterdam Project at The New York Historical
• New York Historical Museum: ld Masters, New Amsterdam (May 1 to August 30, 2026.) This first-of-its-kind exhibition uses the paintings of Rembrandt and his contemporaries to help us envision life in the little Dutch settlement that would become New York. Ridgewood Library cardholders, reserve free NY Historical passes here! 
• Rancho Mirage Writers Festival

Episode Credits:

• For more information about Russell, his books and writings, and tour schedule, please visit russellshorto.com.
• A Bend in the Road is written, hosted, and produced by Roberta Panjwani and created by Roberta Panjwani and Diane Sims.
• Our Assistant Producer and Editor for this episode is Elias Rosner.
• Our Technical Directors and Audio Engineers are Matt Giannotti and Elias Rosner.
• Our Digital Media Producers are Elias Rosner and Kaleigh Diamond.
• Original Music is written and performed by Diane Sims.
• Logo and Website created by Parker Gaidimas.