One of America's most prominent historians and a noted feminist bring together the most important political writings and testimonials from African-Americans over three centuries.
#3583695 in Books Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Pr 1996-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.25 x 8.75 x .75l; 2.26 #File Name: 0838637043203 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I've learned a great deal from this wonderful bookBy Q. HuangI've learned a great deal from this wonderful book; very valuable research; I wish I knew about this book many years ago.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great stories; wonderful research -- with a caveat.By A CustomerIn "Alas! What Brought Thee Hither?" Arthur Bonner has done a magnificent job researching virtually every printed word about New York's Chinatown from the 1840's until just after World War II; often quoting long-unheard Chinese voices in the process. His well-organized text is crammed full of fascinating vignettes; detailing the development of that intriguing neighborhood; and the crushingly-hard path that the first couple of Chinese-American generations followed to make a life in this country. Every paragraph reveals some meaty tidbit; with a plethora of period illustrations to round them out. It is not a book that one would normally read cover to cover; but dip into here and there -- a buffet; rather than a banquet. Unfortunately; Mr. Bonner doesn't go any deeper than these journalistic accounts; leaving the tale somewhat bloodless. Women; especially; are given short shrift in Mr. Bonner's tale. Take as an example his claim that the lavishly-dressed ladies lining the walls of grand banquets of 100 years ago were merely prostitutes or concubines waiting for their patrons. Not so; Mr. Bonner. As the great-grandson of one of those women; I can safely say they were simply the wives of the male diners; as the womenfolk were always separated from the men in such public social situations. He also says that the infamous tunnels supposedly used as escape routes for Tong warriors were inventions of the taboid press of the day. Not only were these tunnels real; anyone can visit them today; as they have been turned into a shopping arcade to relieve the overcrowding at street level. Although there are other such missteps; "Alas..." is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of New York City's Chinatown.
