Knickerbocker's History of New York

The conventional thoughts regarding Knickerbocker's History of New York lie more along the lines of a satire of the insularity and self-importance of New Yorkers and the inhabitants of other major metropolises. (Though considering the actual importance of cities like New York, it is a mentality that is entirely excusable). Yet, in reading Knickerbocker's History of New York one should remember John Palfrey and his 5 volume History of New England and his compatriots that were the real-life Diedrich Knickerbockers.