Book Review: New York Burning by Jill Lepore

Write a book review (3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12-pt. font, Times New Roman) on “New York Burning: Liberty, Slavery, and Conspiracy in Eighteenth Century Manhattan” by Jill Lepore.

This should be a critical commentary, not a summary of the plot. The purpose of a review is to make an argument. This is an opportunity for you to talk with the author and give your
opinion on their work. An “argument” does not mean you have to disagree with the author’s conclusions. You may agree or disagree (or both) with the author’s style, structure, viewpoint, or use of
sources, but you need to explain why you agree or disagree (or both) with them and use specific examples from the book to bolster your argument.

As for the book review’s structure, the UNC-Chapel Hill writing center recommends that a reviewer first give “a concise summary of the content. This includes a relevant description of the
topic as well as its overall perspective, argument, or purpose. Second, and more importantly, a review offers a critical assessment of the content. This involves your reactions to the work under
review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not it was effective or persuasive, and how it enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand. Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a
A review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.” I expect to see all three of these aspects in your paper.

Sample solution

Author Jill Lepore’s book, New York Burning: Liberty, Slavery, and Conspiracy in Eighteenth-Century Manhattan, tells a story that many of us have forgotten but need to remember. New York City was considered a dazzling city with parks, beech trees, and superstars. In 1741, days were filled with terror and horror as fires were set throughout the city, enticing people with fear. No one had any idea who could be behind these fires or their reason for setting fires in the first place. This remained the same until the tenth fire out of the thirteen that would occur. After the tenth fire happened, a report surfaced that placed a slave running from the fire. Upon learning of this slave, people began to form their own thoughts and opinions of what could be occurring.

Most began to think that the slaves, who outnumbered average citizens, were planning to revolt and that these fires were only the beginning of what was yet to come. Due to these rumors and allegations, officials began to interrogate as many people as possible, reaching 200 people, both white and black, that they believed were part of these acts. They stumbled upon a group of slaves and indentured servants, who were Irish, who planned to burn New York City to the ground and simultaneously kill their masters. This plan stunned authorities and they quickly began to prosecute and investigate those that they believed were part of this conspiracy.