PETER STUYVESANT

For all his tyranny and the grievances stirred up by a harsh rule, there is more emphasis here on Peter Stuyvesant's bravery and concern for his people than on his autocracy. A firm story thread follows Stuyvesant from early youth and the yen for adventure that lured him away from the ministry to a career that led to the governorship of Curacao. His tenure in New Amsterdam is not entirely viewed through rosy glasses, but the fear the colonists had of him is glossed over in a concentration on his struggles with Britain and an home rule, and in time we become aware of him as magnanimous, self-effacing person. Adequate background reading until a more accurate interpretation comes along.