The Spirit of New York

Reviews / Votes

"The book's stories feature first-hand, eyewitness accounts by history-makers, participants and observers at the time ... Because of New York's historical importance, many of the stories have relevance to American as well as New York history. Social studies and history teachers can use the stories in the book as the basis for their classroom presentations and for study, essays, and discussion by students" - NJCSS Journal

"...the talented and earnest Bruce W. Dearstyne ... uses this book's nineteen eclectic chapters to paint broadly and inclusively. Each episode contains a detailed look at an interesting event in New York State. Through this series of critical case studies, he offers a big story in readable and informative bites ... the book offers an inspiring collection of narratives for readers immersed in a trying time in our nation's history." - Hudson River Valley Review

"The Spirit of New York is the work of an accomplished historian who writes well for a general audience." - New York History

Praise for the First Edition

"Bookended by chapters that are meant to exemplify defiance (the drafting of the State Constitution and the resilience epitomized by the aftermath of 9/11), Professor Dearstyne's argument focuses on largely overlooked events that were transformative or emblematic of the state's distinguishing characteristics, among them, its geography, its inventiveness and the diversity of its population." - New York Times

"...a daisy chain recording recounting some of the most compelling moments in New York's history along with new looks at some of my favorite personalities, like Elizabeth Cady Stanton who celebrated her 200th birthday in November ... it marches readers into New York's checkered and storied past - told through the narratives of 16 key events, beginning in April 1777. Dearstyne's book zips right along, tackling a wide range of events and topics..." -New York Daily News

"Readers interested in state history, especially that of New York, will definitely enjoy this examination of the most influential incidents. Dearstyne succeeds in writing in a concise manner while always keeping readers engaged." - Library Journal

"Relying on a wide array of well-cited sources, Dearstyne also sheds new light on individuals' dramatic reform efforts in labor, child welfare, race relations, and environmental stewardship." - Hudson River Valley Review

"His work powerfully connects local, state, and national history in a way that is engaging and moving to all readers." - American Association for State and Local History Leadership in History Award of Merit 2016

"In its heyday, New York State influenced the rest of the country as a leader in business, transportation, and agriculture, among other areas. Dearstyne ... chronicles the Empire State through several 'defining events.' His approach is a smart one. Readers see how experiences throughout the past 250 years have shaped the character of the state and the qualities of its residents ... The author looks at the important players and places surrounding these episodes and then moves on to their consequences and significance in the course of the state's history." - New York History