This book is an epic narrative that covers the vast and varied history of New York City, from the Indian tribes that settled in and around the island of Manna-hata to the consolidation of the five boroughs into Greater New York in 1898. It includes detailed accounts of the early years of New Amsterdam, the Revolutionary War, the growth of the city as a port and financial center, and the impact of significant events such as the Erie Canal, the coming of the railroads, and the Civil War draft riots. The book also features a cast of thousands, including notable figures like Jacob Leisler, Joanna Bethune, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, and many others who left their mark on the city. Despite its exhaustive detail, the book is praised for its well-written and engaging narrative, although some critics note its lack of a guiding organizational principle and authorial personality[2][4][5].
Michael Harriot's "Black AF History" offers a fresh and engaging perspective on Black history, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting often-overlooked stories and figures. Harriot's writing style is known for its humor and accessibility, making complex historical topics relatable to a wide audience. The book covers a range of historical periods and events, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Black experience in America. It's a valuable resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge of Black history beyond traditional accounts. The book's unique approach and engaging style make it a compelling read for both students of history and casual readers alike.
In 'Letters from an American,' Heather Cox Richardson offers a historian's perspective on today's political landscape. She contextualizes current events within the broader framework of American history, eliminating noise and providing clear, fact-based summaries. The newsletter is known for its informative and hopeful tone, helping readers understand the historical roots of contemporary issues such as democracy, race, human rights, and equality under the law[3][4][5].
The book details the destitution and violence of a turbulent era in New York City, highlighting colorfully named criminals and infamous gangs such as the Plug Uglies, Dead Rabbits, and Bowery Boys. It includes detailed accounts of the New York City draft riots in 1863 and the corrupt political establishment, particularly Tammany Hall. Asbury's work provides a vivid glimpse into the city's dark past, featuring a rogues' gallery of prostitutes, pimps, poisoners, pickpockets, murderers, and thieves.
This book provides an arresting and entertaining view of what New York was actually like in its early days. It is not the familiar saga of mansions, avenues, and robber barons, but rather the story of the city's slums, teeming streets, and various forms of vice and entertainment. The book is divided into four parts, examining the topography of Manhattan, opportunities for vice and entertainment, the forces of law and order, and the city's tides of revolt and idealism. It is a provocative book about urban life, evoking the mythology of the modern metropolis and its relevance to the present and future of all cities.
Joanna Shupe posted a TikTok on November 11, 2024, in response to angry readers chastising her for writing in her newsletter about her disappointment with the election results. I have included the audio with her permission.She says in her comments that she could teach a whole class about the parallels between the Gilded Age and the current political and cultural climate, which I am calling The Dumpster Age. I reached out and said, I can’t offer a class, but how about a podcast episode?
Joanna was kind enough to walk us through some of the parallels between then and now that give her some despair, and how infuriating it was to have readers scold and chastise her for expressing in her newsletter a perspective that she already thought was pretty clear from, you know, all her books about the Gilded Age.
And, if I can take a moment: this is my 650th episode.
Six. Fifty.
And at the end of the month, on Jan 31, Smart Bitches will celebrate our 20th anniversary.
Thank you. Thank you for valuing my work on the podcast and online, for valuing our perspective on the site when we explore romance and everything surrounding it.
Just…thank you. Thank you so much for being here.
You can find Joanna Shupe on her website, joannashupe.com. Her newsletter is joannashupe.com/newsletter. She’s on Instagram @Joannashupe and on Bluesky.
She also writes dark mafia romance as Mila Finelli.
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Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast 
