The brave pioneers who made a life on the frontier were not only male—and they were not only white. The story of African-American women in the Old West is one that has largely gone untold until now. The stories of ten African-American women are reconstructed from historic documents found in century-old archives. Some of these women slaves; some were free; and some were born into slavery and found freedom in the old west. They were laundresses; freedom advocates; journalists; educators; midwives; business proprietors; religious converts; philanthropists; mail and freight haulers; and civil and social activists. These hidden historical figures include Biddy Mason; a slave who fought for her family's freedom; Elizabeth Thorn Scott Flood; a teacher determined to educate black children and aid them in leading better lives; and the mysterious Mary Ellen Pleasant; a civil rights crusader and savvy businesswoman. Even in the face of racial prejudice; these unsung heroes never gave up hope for a brighter future.
#4240057 in Books University Press of America 2010-09-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.08 x 1.14 x 6.20l; 1.65 #File Name: 0761852158500 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating historical narrative on organized crime in AmericaBy MAM/AKLMy reading on the subject of organized crime had so far been fragmentary. I was therefore delighted to have been introduced to James Fentress's book on Organized Crime in America.This is the first book that I have read that chronicles the evolution of organized crime in America during the early part of the 20th century. It provides us with a detailed and coherent narrative of organized crime in the context of a large wave of immigrants from Europe that arrived on the American shores between 1890 and 1930. James Fentress takes us on this journey through organized crime in New York; Chicago; LA and New Orleans. He introduces us to the principal characters; their organizational skills in expanding their crime empires; the ruthless elimination of their competitors; and; their attempts to stay one step ahead of the law. His narrative on this part of American History is compelling and well worth reading.I found the Chapter on Prohibition particularly fascinating. First; it provided me with a coherent history of the Prohibition era; and second; the current debate on the "war on drugs" is eerily reminiscent of the Prohibition era. This book should be on the policy makers reading list.This book is marvellous historical narrative; and a must for anyone interested in American History.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Carefully Researched; Engaging; and Well Written!By HummingbirdProfessor; social historian; and mafia expert James Fentress delights once again with Eminent Gangsters: Immigrants and the Birth of Organized Crime in America; which follows his well-received 2000 release; Rebels and Mafiosi: Death in a Sicilian Landscape. Fentress's passion for mafia history shines through in the astounding detail and precision of his writing. The book is peppered with entertaining stories of the early gangsters; from New York City's "Five Points Juniors" gang (where Al Capone got his start) and the infamous Charlie "Lucky" Luciano to Johnnie Torrio's reign in Chicago during Prohibition; and so much more. Fentress's writing style flows brilliantly throughout the pages; engaging the reader as a novel would; and making the book difficult to put down despite its impressive length (485 pages). Those interested in mafia and crime history will be particularly well rewarded with this informational read; though the writing is strong enough to appeal to a general audience as well. The author's discussion here of the intimate connection between the story of organized crime and the essential immigrant experience in America is astute and inspired. All in all; this is a painstakingly researched; finely crafted; thorough exploration of the roots of our nation's organized crime movement and its most prominent figures. Fentress makes an invaluable contribution to the field with this work; which should be read; enjoyed; and utilized at both an academic and general interest level for years to come.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For anyone who would like to learn more about the mafia gangs than check this book out.By Cheryl KochWhen I first saw this book; I thought it looked like an interesting read. I don't know much about the mafia gangs or where they came from. I just know that I have found them interesting and wanted to learn more about them. Mr. Fentress does not just tell readers what they may already know about the mafia gangs but really digs deep beyond the gangs and arms readers with the birth of the mafia gangs. I thought Mr. Fentress did a very good job of detailing how the gangs were formed. He started out with explaining that they were just immigrants who were looking to come to America for a better life.A complaint I have with this book is that while I found the references that Mr. Fentress would refer to as sources at different points in this book; my preference is that I would have liked the foot notes or references to be inserted at the bottom of the pages versus at the back of the book. I just know in the past when I have read some books with foot notes that it is much easier to correspond the foot note when it is on the same page. Of course this does not take anything away from the book; it is just my preference.I learned more than I ever thought I would about the birth of the mafia gangs by reading this book and I thought this book was well organized. For anyone who would like to learn more about the mafia gangs than check this book out. Eminent Gangsters: Immigrants and the Birth of Organized Crime in America would also make a nice gift for someone.
