New Yorker–born and raised. On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. Eye-opening and entertaining, it's popular history of the best sort." Terrific series of historic stories woven into a narrative of how Amsterdam can be viewed as a harbinger of liberalism in the Western world. This collection of 18 stories explores Amsterdam from the 17th to 21st century via fiction, memoirs, and anecdotes. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2016. … This smaller bookshop in Amsterdam Centre has a good selection of English books although you’re likely to find a steal as many of their books are second-hand. Masterful reporting, vivid history—the past and present are equally alive in this book.” —James Gleick, author of The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood "Shorto is an excellent storyteller and rootler of strange facts, and Amsterdam should be issued as standard kit for anyone visiting the city who is not entirely corroded by vice." Miguel enters into a partnership with a seductive Dutch woman who offers him one last chance at success—a daring plot to corner the market of an astonishing new commodity called “coffee.” To succeed, Miguel must risk everything he values and test the limits of his commercial guile, facing not only the chaos of the markets and the greed of his competitors, but also a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to see him ruined. I was able to pinpoint many of the historical facts he brought up once I was back in the Netherlands. Bringing the history of Amsterdam to life, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2014. Book Exchange. Besides typically Dutch souvenirs, I recommend bringing home a new book. Amsterdam: A history of the world's most liberal city by Russell Shorto The acclaimed American author – who lived in Amsterdam for a number of years – tells the story of Amsterdam and its liberal evolution. Shorto has dug into the substrata of the town to find just those interesting things that define the metropolis. There are many (award winning) “Dingen” books issued by the authors Immink + Faber, also a Dutch Things book. Attention, Grey's Anatomy fans: A new medical drama has arrived to add to your TV lineup, but with an added twist. It's very well written and quite quirky (in a good way). . Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2014. Something went wrong. For those looking for a fascinating nonfiction read about the Netherlands, Murder in Amsterdam is a well-written journalistic book about the murder of controversial filmmaker Theo van Gogh, who produced controversial films about Islam. It’s a fun historical … Miguel Lienzo, a sharp-witted trader in the city’s close-knit community of Portuguese Jews, knows this only too well. The Miniaturist- was shown on PBS a short while ago as a mini series. The Embarrassment of Riches book. . This 'history' is worth reading but you need to know what you're getting. The Bookshop of the World allows us to distil a wonderful list of superlatives: at … Keep up the good work! I've just bought three of them to read on my trusty Kindle! Amsterdam has a long and eventful history. Please try again. I have already recommended it to my friends. I first had to read Anne Frank’s Diary in 8th grade and it really moved me then. Once among the city’s most envied merchants, Miguel has lost everything in a sudden shift in the sugar markets. I believe in going to non-chain bookstores and these are my favorite independent bookstores in Amsterdam with a good English book selection where you should be able to find these books. I loved Shorto’s book on Amsterdam, as well as his earlier book on the Dutch origins of New York - they would be my top two recommendations. It’s a summer’s evening in Amsterdam, and two couples meet at a fashionable restaurant for dinner. Summary. Amsterdam Tales (translated by Paul Vincent, 2017). -- The New Yorker "Delightfully eccentric history. I wish I'd read it before I went as I could have added lots of things to my list of things to look out for on my trip. Currently reading Anne Frank’s Diary and really wish that I’d done that before visiting the house (: I found Geert Mak’s ‘A brief life of the city’ fascinating. A pleasure to savor on many levels.”, Russell Shorto is the author of five books and is a contributing writer at the. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. [A] book that easily fuses large cultural trends with intimately personal stories.” —The New York Times “An absorbing history of a fascinating place.” This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. This was a great book on the history of Amsterdam, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2016. This was a great book on the history of Amsterdam. Audio book sample courtesy of Penguin Random House Audio. Anne was eventually deported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, where she later died at the young age of 15. I’ve also included some favorite books about Amsterdam from friends of mine. I found Geert Mak’s history of Amsterdam interesting but somewhat depressing: Shorto gives a much more optimistic view. A pleasure to savor on many levels.” —The Seattle Times “Rich and eventful. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Amsterdam book. I found it first on a cruise ship in the well-stocked library and was returning at journeys end to Amsterdam. While I haven’t been able to get into these, they were highly recommended by friends of mine who are literature lovers. The Black Tulip is a classic book about the Netherlands by Alexandre Dumas (yes, that one!). The latter chapters providing a cursory reconciliation and enlightenment on the global legacy of Dutch colonialism. I bought this (Kindle version) to take with me on a trip to Amsterdam - my first visit. One of my favorite souvenirs from any country is a good book. Shorto invites one to truly experience what individuals did in each period, all the while providing enough historic backdrop to provide a movement through history. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Good scope of history to prepare to travel to Amsterdam. Dam Square. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. This is an excellent history of the city but also gives some fascinating insights into the development of Dutch culture over the centuries. I enjoyed Reunion, by L.Coulomb. I recommend 'Amsterdam' by Russel Shorto everyone who still knows this city but want to know much more. I have three children (Anna, Eva and Anthony) and three step-children (Reinier, Hector and Benjamin). Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City, Catspotting: A crazy cat lover's guide to cats in Amsterdam, 25 Essential Travel Tips for Amsterdam From An Amsterdam Resident, Murder in Amsterdam: Liberal Europe, Islam, and the Limits of Tolerance, Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local, « 5 reasons that you must visit Turin, Italy’s most underrated city, The perfect day trip from Paris to Provins, a beautiful medieval town ». . In the 13th century a large dam was constructed on the mouth of the river Amstel. . I haven't quite finished it yet but as soon as I have I'm going to read it again! The Fault in Our Stars is a teen love story that is beloved by both adults and children. A fascinating and provocative way to tell the history of an important and influential city. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2017. His murder signaled a major change in the Netherlands in terms of the dialogue about Muslims and what tolerance means today in the Netherlands. This is a very readable book, more a 'biography' of the city rather than a history with lots of little personal anecdotes from an author who obviously loves the city but is not afraid to confront some of the less salubrious stories. Amsterdam: A history Geert Mak is a person with great knowledge, not only on the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, but all of Europe. A pleasure to savor on many levels.” —The Seattle Times “Rich and eventful. Amsterdam » Basic Facts » History Amsterdam. I liked the Coffee Trader although it’s not my favorite book. This book links historical basis for a tolerant (liberal) and free society already in the 1500's with how the Western world evolved. Would absolutely recommend this book! History of Amsterdam: | | ||| | Amsterdam circa 1544, before the semi-circular ri... World Heritage Encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. I am reading up the history of the Netherlands in preparing for our upcoming trip in April. One of my favorite things to do is to pick up a book about a destination before I get there. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Spui 14-16, Amsterdam Opening Hours: Mon 11:00 – 19:00, Tue-Sat 9:30 – 19:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:30 Located on one of the most bookish places in Amsterdam, the Spui Square, Athenaeum has a huge stock of magazines from all over the world and a good selection of English non-fiction books. They have a massive Dutch book selection as well as nonfiction books about city of Amsterdam. Well written, engaging, and very interesting. . Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2019. Here are some of the best books set in the Dutch capital. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2020. Not a casual throwaway read, this delves into how the church. . The Diary of a Young Girl book. Amsterdam is the story of a euthanasia pact between two friends, a composer and a ... Amsterdam. Tulip Fever was recently made into a movie, however if you’re looking for a beautifully written book that will transport you to another era, this is your book. This was a great book on the history of Amsterdam. . 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