the history of one town from its founding which, in the telling, reflects the development of the U.S. Time line entries written in the present tense are interspersed with narrative. One chapter for each of the four centuries plus End Notes, written in past tense, that are numbered follow-ups to some of the entries.
from the Introduction
Behind the curve of the road, under the soil, in the vaults and repositories of private collections, and across the very land itself, lie the roots and the legacies of Long Island's first English settlements. Three and a half centuries have elapsed since their harsh beginnings were carved out of an island's wilderness. Three hundred-plus years. Time fllled with legends and heroes, storms and wars, scandals and mysteries, people of consequence and persons with quirks. Time marked by changing styles and mores, tales remembered, and curiosities all but forgotten. History and heritage.
Excerpt
August 31/Sept. 3. On the last day of August, Town Police Detective-Sergeant Richard Lia reports increased activity at a hoiuse which has been under periodic surveillance for the last three years. Five people have arrived and a large enclosed truck is in the driveway. A check of its New Jersey plates shows that it is registered to a major organized crime member. A round-the-clock watch is put on the Milina Drive house, which overlooks Gardiner's Bay. Federal and county undercover agents join Town police in the eight hour on/off shifts.
Professional Reviews
Long Island Historical Journal
do not have the review. Town Historian N. Sherrill Foster wrote review and called it most accurate account.
This book explores how U.S. presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy failed to stand up to Soviet aggression during the early Cold War—despite America's overwhelming nuclear advantage.
