Illustrated history of colonial America provides new insights into developing nation

“The Edge of New Netherland” by L. F. Tantillo explores life in the Dutch colony and competition between European powers

NASSAU, N.Y. – L. F. Tantillo provides readers with new insight into life on “the edge of New Netherland,” where two small groups of colonists – one Dutch, the other Swedish ­– fought to control access to the Delaware River and thus the trade in Indian furs, and later, English tobacco. Decades before British forces captured this territory in a power grab that remade colonial North America, fortifications were built and re-built, deals made and settlements established.

While “The Edge of New Netherland” (ISBN 1461060958) examines, in beautifully illustrated detail, the broader aspects of daily life on the Dutch, Swedish, English and Indian borderlands of North America, it focuses on the history of one wood and dirt fortress. Built in 1651 by the Dutch and destroyed in 1664 by the British, Fort Casimir largely failed as a defensive bulwark, but it helped anchor the growing settlement of New Amstel, now New Castle, Del.

“The Edge of New Netherland” brings history to life with over 100 beautiful drawings accompanied by entertaining and accessible explanatory text.

Mary Collins writes in De Halve Maen, “Tantillo provides the reader with an evocative perspective of the early European settlement on the banks of the Delaware River as seen through an artist’s eye…Tantillo focuses on Fort Casimir as an archaeological, architectural, and artistic interpretation of a historic site, and takes us through the process by which the past is visualized.”

“The Edge of New Netherland” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author:

Trained as an architectural designer, artist L. F. Tantillo specializes in the depiction of historical structures in their original context. His artwork has appeared in numerous exhibitions, publications and film documentaries in the United States and Europe. Tantillo is a fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists and the recipient of many accolades and awards. His studio is in upstate New York.

MEDIA CONTACT

L. F. Tantillo

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Phone:             (518) 766-4542

Website:           www.lftantillo.com

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