Fire and Freedom: The American Revolution in New York

Fire and Freedom, edited by Thomas S. Wermuth, Devin Lander, Jennifer Lemak, and Robert Chiles, with a foreword by Russell Shorto, reexamines America’s path to independence through New York’s central role in the Revolution. More than 250 years later, the book uncovers hidden stories beyond famous figures and battles, revealing how political upheaval, state power, and acts of resistance shaped the era. Through seven engaging chapters, the contributors show how events off the battlefield—and the agency of Indigenous and enslaved people—were just as consequential, offering a richer understanding of the American Revolution. Marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this major exhibition—developed in partnership with the Gotham Center for New York City History—offers an immersive journey through Revolutionary‑era New York, bringing these foundational debates vividly to life. Three Hills, Cornell University Press. 192 pages. 2 pounds. 5.9 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches.