The Italian Americans - A History

A History

By: Maria Laurino

Write A Review

Hardcover | 22 December 2014 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
320 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
26.1 x 21.0 x 2.4

Hardcover

$78.80

or 4 interest-free payments of $19.70 with

Aims to ship in 15 to 25 business days

This gorgeous companion book to the PBS series illuminates an important, overlooked part of American history. In this richly researched, beautifully designed and illustrated volume, Maria Laurino strips away stereotypes and nostalgia to tell the complicated, centuries-long story of the true Italian-American experience.

Looking beyond the familiar Little Italys and stereotypes fostered by The Godfather and The Sopranos, Laurino reveals surprising, fascinating lives: Italian-Americans working on sugar-cane plantations in Louisiana to those who were lynched in New Orleans; the banker who helped rebuild San Francisco after the great earthquake; families interned as “enemy aliens” in World War II. From anarchist radicals to “Rosie the Riveter” to Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Cuomo, and Bill de Blasio; from traditional artisans to rebel songsters like Frank Sinatra, Dion, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, this book is both exploration and celebration of the rich legacy of Italian-American life.

Readers can discover the history chronologically, chapter by chapter, or serendipitously by exploring the trove of supplemental materials. These include interviews, newspaper clippings, period documents, and photographs that bring the history to life.

About the Author

Maria Laurino is the author of Were You Always an Italian?, a national bestseller, and Old World Daughter, New World Mother. She lives in New York City with her husband and son.

Industry Reviews

"A first-rate, cliche-killing, and insightful exploration of the Italian-American journey. I couldn't put it down. Essential." -- John Turturro "Rich and satisfying, loaded with fascinating interviews, glorious photographs and fresh insights, this compilation is a keeper. With her trademark literary elegance and journalistic integrity, Maria Laurino pulls disparate threads together creating one lush tapestry that shows us who we are." -- Adriana Trigiani "The Italian Americans is clear, fresh and vivid. It answers a thousand questions about where we came from, how and why our ancestors got here, and why we think and act as we do." -- Russell Shorto "The Italian Americans is a revelation-a rich and truthful history, full of little-known information, insight, and narrative color, giving full dimension to people far too often reduced to stereotype." -- Gay Talese

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.