The Times were those of the American Revolution, The Place, that of the Hudson's Highlands, and the subject-matter, the soveignty of the North River or Hudson's River! This book is dedicated to the memory of those few hundred men from this soil and foreign land, who have through extraordinary exploits prepared the craddle for the birth of America. I have endeavored myself to relate factual events that took place some 225 years ago as well as in more recent days, by means of written words recorded by individuals who were directly involved with those events.

Now in its second edition, New York State: Peoples, Places, and Priorities is an accessibly written book that explores the ever-shifting dynamics of New York State history in a single volume. The text is organized both chronologically and topically, balancing political, economic, social, and cultural history. It discusses key figures, groups, movements, and controversies, upstate and downstate. Each chapter is divided into teachable, digestible sections that examine the major developments and challenges of that period, with timelines and lists of online resources to aid student understanding. The new edition brings New York State’s history into the present with coverage of recent political and economic developments, the Covid-19 pandemic, immigration, and global warming. Throughout the book, material was added concerning the American Revolution, the Civil War, women’s rights, and environmental justice. Artwork, maps, charts, and textboxes illuminate the state’s rich history. Analytical questions accompanying figures and texts encourage deeper engagement with the past. Designed for undergraduates, this book is a concise and updated account of New York State’s history over the centuries, with a wealth of resources to benefit students and instructors alike.