Immigration is the essential American story. From London or Lvov; Bombay or Beijing; Dublin or Dusseldorf; people have come to America to remake themselves; their lives; and their identities. Despite political obstacles; popular indifference; or hostility; they put down roots here; and their social; cultural; and entrepreneurial energies helped forge the open and diverse society we live in. The history of American immigration has often been told by those already here. Becoming Americans tells this epic story from the inside; gathering for the first time over 400 years of writing—from seventeenth-century Jamestown to contemporary Brooklyn and Los Angeles—by first-generation immigrants about the immigrant experience. In sum; over eighty writers create a vivid; passionate; and revealing firsthand account of the challenges and aspirations that define our dynamic multicultural society.In nearly 100 selections—poems; stories; novel excerpts; travel pieces; diary entries; memoirs; and letters—Becoming Americans presents the full range of the experience of coming to America: the reasons for departure; the journey itself; the shock and spectacle of first arrival; the passionate ambivalence toward the old country and the old life; and above all the struggle with the complexities of America. Arranged in chronological order by date of arrival; this unprecedented collection presents a history of the United States that is both familiar and surprisingly new; as seen through the fresh eyes and words of newcomers from more than forty different countries.
#865435 in Books The History Press 2010-02-19 2010-02-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .50 #File Name: 1596298537128 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great unknown facts around WBTS BluegrassBy bkt1965Interesting history of soldiers blue and gray. Kentucky had quite a bit of conflict around the Bluegrass State people may not know of. The history for these men and women should not go unknown when traveling the state one can be aware of not so famous battle and historical places.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy Tom SidesConcise interesting history that's incredibly accessible given the weighty subject matter. You'll forget you're actually learning; too. The author has dug up great esoteric anecdotes that you won't find anywhere else which is what makes this book so special.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy J. WashburnGood bood
