Hudson

Rivers of America #6

by Carl Carmer

A prolific writer of prose, poetry, and regional history, Carl Carmer first gained national attention with Stars Fell n Alabama, a book about Alabama folkways. But it is his writings about upstate New York, where he was born and lived for much of his life, that firmly established him as a folk historian and master storyteller. The Hudson, originally published in 1939, is the most popular of these writings. Best of the Rivers of America series, The Hudson is less a formal historical account of the discovery and development of the river that a personal, anecdotal view of it. Included are tales of white-sailed sloops and steamboats racing from Albany to New York; of old whalers and trader sea dogs of the Catskill shore; of showboats playing anti-rent meoldramas to inctie farmers against their landlords; of great disasters and heroic deeds; of the efforts of the Hudson River School to capture "sublimity" on canvas; of the quarrelsome, rough-and-tumble life of the Dutch along the river's banks, and many more. This commemorative fiftieth anniversary edition features 16 new drawings by Hudson River artist Edward J. McLaughlin, a foreward by New York historian Louis C. Jones, and an afterword by Roger Panetta, professor of history at the College of New Rochelle.

Genres: Glaciers

464 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

Carl Cramer is a former professor of English, columnist, and assistant editor of Vanity Fair and Theatre Arts Monthly. In more than thirty years of writing he has produced an impressive list of books, including history, historical novels, poetry and juveniles.

Reviews

[John Irby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children in Washington State are taught world history, Washington State History, and U.S. History. But the history they are taught of each individual state is quite scant. "The Hudson" by Carl Carmer taught me much about New York State in general and tons of more specific information regarding the settling of the Hudson River Valley. It's a rich history layered with so many peoples and events of significance to all Americans. The book was published in 1939 so, like me, it is dated, but still gives us a fascinating glimpse of the starting point for one of the World's great cities. I recommend it to everyone who has not had the opportunity to trade beads for skins with The Mohicans, or ride a steamboat upriver from Manhattan Island to Albany.

[Michael McCue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hudson by Carl Carmer was published in 1939. It was one of the earlier books in the Rivers of America series published by Farrar & Rinehart and edited by Constance Lindsay Skinner. The first of the series was published in 1937 and the last was not until the 1970s. Even though these books are quite dated now there is nothing else quite like them. The Hudson covers the history, geology and people of the Hudson River and it's valley. Before New York became a British colony the Dutch settled New York City, then called New Amsterdam, and Albany and much in between. The Dutch granted huge feudal land grants to a few wealthy families and the British continued to recognize these families rights to control land and collect rents and labor from the resident farmers. One reason the Hudson Valley farmers were so quick to join the American Revolution was that they hoped to secure their own farms from the feudal masters. This was not to happen and the history of the Hudson involved struggles for land rights for over 200 years. A bit out of date but still worthwhile to understand how part of our country developed.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual the older books are the best. Very interesting book on the beginning of New York along the Hudson. Benson Lossing book is better but I did learn a lot of new information.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were charming others not so interesting.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the many many books about the Hudson Valley, this is the most charming and page for page fullest of memorable information. It was written for the Rivers of America series and is not scholarly history, but say social history. It skips from topic to topic but all are delightful to read. Steamboats, rent wars, octagonal houses, near-lost communities, phrenology, Andrew Jackson Downing -- something for everyone to relish.
I don't see here a picture of the first edition, which is worth looking for, with terrific illustrations by Stow Wengeroth.

[Tony Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the editors of the Rivers of America series conceived it, I can’t imagine that any author could have delivered what they wanted better than Carmer. This book is an enjoyable mix of history, anecdotes, and colorful writing by someone who clearly loved the Hudson River and its people.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots and lots of anecdotes about squabbling white guys, very little actual river history.

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