Do historians “write their biographies†with the subjects they choose to address in their research? In this collection; editors Alan M. Kraut and David A. Gerber compiled eleven original essays by historians whose own ethnic backgrounds shaped the choices they have made about their own research and writing as scholars. These authors; historians of American immigration and ethnicity; revisited family and personal experiences and reflect on how their lives helped shape their later scholarly pursuits; at times inspiring specific questions they asked of the nation’s immigrant past. They address issues of diversity; multiculturalism; and assimilation in academia; in the discipline of history; and in society at large. Most have been pioneers not only in their respective fields; but also in representing their ethnic group within American academia. Some of the women in the group were in the vanguard of gender diversity in the discipline of history as well as on the faculties of the institutions where they have taught.The authors in this collection represent a wide array of backgrounds; spanning Europe; Africa; Asia; the Middle East; and Latin America. What they have in common is their passionate engagement with the making of social and personal identities and with finding a voice to explain their personal stories in public terms. Contributors: Theresa Alfaro-Velcamp; John Bodnar; MarÃa C. GarcÃa; David A. Gerber; Violet M. Showers Johnson; Alan M. Kraut; Timothy J. Meagher; Deborah Dash Moore; Dominic A. Pacyga; Barbara M. Posadas; Eileen H. Tamura; Virginia Yans; Judy Yung
#929740 in Books Westview Press 2012-09-25 2012-09-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .44 x 5.50l; .44 #File Name: 0813347599192 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. dolley lives onBy Likes good books; movies; and musicRECEIVED FREE COPY FROM LIBRARYAt first; the author's pretext; subtext; and context of the evil; nasty patriarchal society and equally villainous chauvinistic men that Dolley and her sex faced seemed somewhat redundant and tedious. But gradually; the author worked in interesting anecdotes of her life and times. Especially telling is how in the days before campaign managers; Dolley in effect became the de facto manager of her husband's run for the presidency in 1808 by hosting dinners; teas; and informal meetings at their home. As the author points out; this was crucial because candidates were chosen by congressional caucuses so all of those from Congress who visited the Madison home came under the sway of the vivacious charm and social graces of Dolley. The author notes that while her husband was basically a wallflower; Dolley would work a roomful of guests by making all feel welcome and comfortable.Once in power at the White House for 8 years and 2 terms; Dolley continued her ways to the point of building a legacy that ensconced her as a icon: "Pictures of a dark-haired bueaty; "Dolly Madison;" adorned a range of products; anything that had to do with home; hospitality; and femininity. There was even a sexy Dolly selling a brand of cigars!" (p. xiii). That legacy survives to this day; do a web search for "Dolly Madison products" for examples.That she could wield so much influence given the constraints placed on women of her day (as the author continually points out) is remarkable. At least she did so without complaining; judging by her letters included in the Primary Sources section; including one written during the dangerous days of the War of 1812 when most of Washington D.C.'s public buildings; including Dolley's home at the White House; were set on fire by British troops.
