Amsterdam

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Tourists see Amsterdam as a charming city with canals and brick houses, while students know it for its legal brothels and hash bars, and art lovers admire Rembrandt's portraits. However, the city's rich history is deeply tied to its geography and the ongoing struggle of its citizens against the sea, which fostered a unique democratic philosophy. Amsterdam embodies liberalism in two senses: it promotes tolerance for free thought and love, and it has significantly influenced political and economic freedom, impacting even America. The city was a refuge for religious dissidents and radical thinkers, as well as the birthplace of the world's first global corporation. In this insightful narrative, Russell Shorto explores Amsterdam's evolution, connecting seemingly unrelated elements like herring anatomy and Anabaptists to its historical significance. Through his personal experiences in his adopted city, Shorto presents a captivating and intellectually stimulating account of Amsterdam, tracing its journey from the construction of its first canals in the 1300s, through its fight for independence and golden age as an empire, to its contemporary challenges regarding its cherished liberal ideals.