Dictionary of American Immigration History [Hardcover]

Francesco Cordasco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 1990 | ISBN-10: 0810822415 | ISBN-13: 978-0810822412

With some 2,500 entries, this dictionary, the first reference guide of its kind, is designed as a comprehensive reference work on all aspects of American immigration history. All American ethnic groups are included, with essay-entries on general subjects, e.g., immigration, patterns of immigrant settlement in the US, socialization, acculturation, and related themes. Biographical entries on individuals important in the history of immigration are included, along with notices of immigrant historical societies, mutual aid societies, immigrant-help groups, and immigration legislation and restrictionism.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An impressive compilation of facts and data on the history of American immigration, this dictionary correctly describes itself as "comprehensive" but not "exhaustive" in content. The introduction summarizes major U.S. immigration acts from the 1880s to the 1986 reform and control act. The 2500 entries include biographical sketches and information on unions, associations, movements, legislation, and ethnic groups, and thematic essays. Entries vary in length from a paragraph to a multi-page essay. The work's most useful features include cross-referencing, references to other sources, identification of the contributors, and a selected bibliography. Although Cordasco states reasons for excluding American Indians, other ethnic groups, such as Gypsies, Iranians, and Pakistanis, are omitted without reason. For readers requiring a more in-depth, comprehensive essay and wider coverage of American ethnic groups, the Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups, edited by Stephan Thernstrom ( LJ 12/1/80), should be consulted. In an area where reference works are scarce, Cordasco, a recognized scholar in his field, has produced a good source for any library in need of ready reference information on American immigration.
- Mary Ellen R. Elsbernd, Northern Kentucky Univ. Lib., Highland Heights
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...of interest to historians, sociologists, and students of social history. Recommended for both academic and public libraries. (Choice )

...an exciting new source on immigration, put together with a great deal of skill by a renowned expert in the field...Every academic and large public library should have a copy. (Reference Books Bulletin )

Francesco Cordasco is a well known and respected immigration historian, father to twenty previous books, and short of rewriting some of the entries, he could not have improved the book. It is a helpful manual and guide for students and researchers alike. (International Journal On World Peace )

An impressive compilation of facts and data on the history of American immigration...In an area where reference works are scarce, Cordasco, a recognized scholar in his field, has produced a good source for any library in need of ready reference information on American immigration. (Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 810 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (June 28, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810822415
• ISBN-13: 978-0810822412
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.6 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,543,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)