📖 Overview
Edwin G. Burrows (1943-2018) was an American historian and Distinguished Professor at Brooklyn College, specializing in the history of New York City. He won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for History for "Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898," which he co-authored with Mike Wallace.
Throughout his career, Burrows focused extensively on early American history, particularly the Revolutionary War period and the development of New York City. His notable work "Forgotten Patriots: The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War" (2008) shed new light on the treatment of American prisoners of war by the British.
As a faculty member at Brooklyn College for over 40 years, Burrows contributed significantly to academic scholarship and historical research. His expertise in New York City history made him a frequent consultant for historical projects and documentaries about the city's past.
Burrows' writing style combined meticulous research with accessible narrative, making complex historical topics engaging for both academic and general audiences. His final book, "The Finest Building in America: The New York Crystal Palace 1853-1858" was published just months before his death in 2018.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Burrows' ability to make detailed historical research engaging and readable. His "Gotham" collaboration with Wallace receives consistent praise for its comprehensive scope and narrative style. One Amazon reviewer noted: "The depth of research is incredible, yet it reads like a story."
"Forgotten Patriots" draws appreciation for exposing lesser-known Revolutionary War history. Multiple readers highlight how it revealed new information about POW treatment. A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Changed my understanding of the Revolutionary War's human cost."
Some readers find the level of detail in his works overwhelming. Several Amazon reviews mention that "Gotham" can be difficult to get through due to its length and density.
Ratings across platforms:
- Gotham: 4.4/5 on Amazon (127 reviews), 4.3/5 on Goodreads (1,246 reviews)
- Forgotten Patriots: 4.3/5 on Amazon (48 reviews), 3.9/5 on Goodreads (156 reviews)
- The Finest Building in America: 4.2/5 on Amazon (12 reviews), 3.8/5 on Goodreads (9 reviews)
📚 Books by Edwin G. Burrows
Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 (1998)
A comprehensive examination of New York City's evolution from Dutch colonial outpost to America's largest metropolis, covering social, political, and economic developments through 1898.
Forgotten Patriots: The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War (2008) A detailed account of the thousands of American soldiers and civilians who were held prisoner by British forces during the Revolutionary War.
The Finest Building in America: The New York Crystal Palace 1853-1858 (2018) A historical study of New York City's Crystal Palace, examining its construction, cultural impact, and eventual destruction by fire during the early years of American industrialization.
Forgotten Patriots: The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War (2008) A detailed account of the thousands of American soldiers and civilians who were held prisoner by British forces during the Revolutionary War.
The Finest Building in America: The New York Crystal Palace 1853-1858 (2018) A historical study of New York City's Crystal Palace, examining its construction, cultural impact, and eventual destruction by fire during the early years of American industrialization.
👥 Similar authors
David McCullough wrote extensively about American history with a focus on major figures and events that shaped the nation. His research methods and narrative approach to historical writing mirror Burrows' style in making complex historical topics accessible to general readers.
Russell Shorto specializes in New York City and Dutch colonial history, with particular attention to the early development of Manhattan. His work "The Island at the Center of the World" explores themes similar to those in Burrows' research about early New York.
Kenneth T. Jackson focuses on urban and social history with an emphasis on New York City's development. His work as editor of "The Encyclopedia of New York City" demonstrates the same comprehensive approach to city history that characterized Burrows' research.
Jill Lepore writes about American colonial and revolutionary history with attention to previously overlooked perspectives. Her research methodology combines academic rigor with narrative storytelling in a way that parallels Burrows' approach to historical writing.
Eric Foner examines American history with emphasis on the Revolutionary period and its aftermath. His work on political and social transformations in early America covers similar ground to Burrows' research on Revolutionary War prisoners and early New York.
Russell Shorto specializes in New York City and Dutch colonial history, with particular attention to the early development of Manhattan. His work "The Island at the Center of the World" explores themes similar to those in Burrows' research about early New York.
Kenneth T. Jackson focuses on urban and social history with an emphasis on New York City's development. His work as editor of "The Encyclopedia of New York City" demonstrates the same comprehensive approach to city history that characterized Burrows' research.
Jill Lepore writes about American colonial and revolutionary history with attention to previously overlooked perspectives. Her research methodology combines academic rigor with narrative storytelling in a way that parallels Burrows' approach to historical writing.
Eric Foner examines American history with emphasis on the Revolutionary period and its aftermath. His work on political and social transformations in early America covers similar ground to Burrows' research on Revolutionary War prisoners and early New York.