Customer Reviews

The Empire State: A History of New York

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is a survey of New York history from its prehistorical roots through twentieth century. It may not be terribly exciting compared to a novel, but it is well written and highly informative. One is quick to reccomend it to any one who is interested in American history, and New York state in particular. By far, it is the best, up to date history of the state available. All the better, it is in print. I work for a museum organization and we use it as the basis of our interpretation. It is outstanding for its intended use, which is as a general survey and reference book. Highly recommended, though for a select audience.

I didn't care for the book. It was too weighted on the political aspects of NY and particularly too much about New York City. There's so much more interesting facts about the state that this author simply overlooked or didn't care to include. I finished reading it, but wished I'd never bought it.

I found this book a disappointment. It is not a good textbook for a history of NYS college course. It is too detailed. Not well edited-a choppy read from one chapter to the next. And What a surprise that L Ray Gunn was chosen to write the antebellum chapter. He seems unaware of David Gerber's work on Buffalo in the anterbellum period. The entire book is geared to the eastern end of the state.

This book showed promise, but falls into a writing style that will put the most avid history reader to sleep in a big hurry. It is ponderous and totally unentertaining. It could be a textbook for a college level history course on New York State, only more boring. The only reason I can see to pick up this book is for the cover art. You're better off coming to Cooperstown and seeing the artwork first hand.

highly pissed off never received the textbook that I desperately needed for class!!! really make me think twice before I order from amazon again!!!