Encyclopedia of Ellis Island (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As the primary entry port for European immigrants coming to the U.S., Ellis Island was a symbol of hope for many and a disappointment for some. Anyone interested in the situation of those who landed there and those deported from there will find this encyclopedia of its history and processes compelling reading as well as useful information. The author is the librarian and historian at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

The introduction provides an overview of Ellis Island's history, from its early occupation by Lenni Lenapes to its closure as a federal immigrant inspection station in 1954. More than 400 alphabetically arranged entries cover a variety of topics, among them places (Baggage room, Surgeon's house); health issues (Medical certificates, Tuberculosis); aspects of the immigration experience (Enemy aliens, Interpreters, Marriages, Passports); screening processes (Mental testing, rimary inspection); assisting agencies (Belgian Bureau,Salvation Army); and more. A number of entries deal with the rehabilitation project that yielded the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, dedicated in 1990. Others profile people, from commissioners, inspectors, and other individuals who worked on the island to politicians, writers, and famous immigrants.

A detailed chronology, an alphabetical list of entries, and lists of entries by subject and (for people) by field of endeavor enable users to appreciate the scope of this work and to troll for interesting pieces of the story. What were the Kissing Post and the Stairs of Separation? Why were all immigrants examined for Trachoma, and what was the treatment if it was found? Why did the FBI arrest singer Ezio Pinza as an enemy alien?

Entries are enhanced by black-and-white illustrations, cross-references, and bibliographic references to other sources.

Primary documents in the three appendixes--a 1912 report by Commissioner William Williams, excerpts from the "Personnel. Report of 1909," and the 1910-1913 "Rules for the U.S. Immigrant Station at Ellis Island"--provide even more insight into how Ellis Island worked. The general bibliography includes books, government reports, and films.

Students of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American history, cultural heritage, and immigration policy will find this source enlightening. Descendants of those who arrived in the U.S. via Ellis Island will be moved by its description of their experiences. It is an excellent companion to the author's previous work, The Statue of Liberty Encyclopedia (2000), and is recommended for school, public, and undergraduate libraries. Sally Jane
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Review

“Moreno, a librarian and historian with the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, has compiled a very useful encyclopedia with 374 alphabetical entries about the daily life of Ellis Island....It is recommended for most libraries as a supplement to other books on the topic of immigration and ethnicity. Recommended. Academic Collections.”–Choice

“Besides being a useful guide to the eventful history of a remarkable island, the Encyclopedia would be of interest to libraries where readers wished to find out more about US immigration policy in general.”–Reference Reviews

“Filled with a lot of information, this is an excellent volume on the fascinating history of Ellis Island....Useful for school reports or just browsing, this book brings to light material for an interesting look at a major part of our history. Recommended.”–Library Media Connection

“[P]rovides a fine A-Z compendium of Ellis Island people and events, tracing important paths in immigration, tackling major subjects and history pertaining to immigration trends and laws, and serving as an excellent high school or public library reference for any patrons studying U.S. immigration history.”–MBR Bookwatch

“As the primary entry port for European immigrants coming to the U.S., Ellis Island was a symbol of hope for many and a disappointment for some. Anyone interested in the situation of those who landed there and those deported from there will find this encyclopedia of its history and processes compelling reading as well as useful information. The author is the librarian and historian at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum....Students of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American history, cultural heritage, and immigration policy will find this source enlightening. Descendants of those who arrived in the U.S. via Ellis Island will be moved by its description of their experiences. It is an excellent companion to the author's previous work, The Statue of Liberty Encyclopedia (2000) and is recommended for school, public, and undergraduate libraries.”–Booklist

“[A]n A-to-Z resource of everything you want to know about Ellis island, from "Abbreviations" to "Zucker, Edward D." The volume also includes a helpful introduction that briefly, but thoroughly, describes the island's history and gives a chronology.”–Cobblestone Magazine

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (December 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313326827
• ISBN-13: 978-0313326820
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,714,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)