David Steven Cohen is Senior Research Associate and Director of the Ethnic History Program at the New Jersey Historical Commission. He holds a Ph.D. in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania.

"An impressive study of material culture." (Choice) "Cohen presents a detailed description of the everyday life of early Dutch settlers in New York and New Jersey. He gives special attention to the rise of the Dutch Reformed Church in these areas, and particularly the denomination's transformation into a subculture that could truly be considered American." (Bookman's Weekly) "A rich and readable source of information and interpretation." (New York History)