The Saints in the Lives of Italian Americans (Filibrary series) [Paperback]

Joseph A. Varacalli (Editor), Donald J. D'Elia (Editor), Salvatore Primeggia (Editor), Salvatore J. LaGumina (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Filibrary series | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

The Saints in the Lives of Italian Americans represents an interdisciplinary investigation, consiting of fourteen essays that come from complimentry sociological, historical, psychological, philosophical, and theological perspectives. Readers will be offered a range of viewpoints on such important issues as, among others, the extent and nature of contemporary Italian-American Catholic assimilation into secular culture; the existance of an "Italian problem" within the Catholic Church of the U.S.; the relationship between "folk" and "offical" religiosity; the role of various types of multiculturalism vis-a-vis an authentic sense of Italianit and Catholicity; and whether an acceptance of the concept of sainthood constitutes a broadening or contracting of the horizons of human consciousness. The work is written in a style that will appeal to both the scholar and the well-educated citizen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dr. Varacalli and his associates have edited an important work that promises to enrich our understanding of Italian Americans and their devotion to saints. The Saints in the Lives of Italian Americans collects pertinent writings of priests, sociologists, historians, and others who will elucidate the nature of Italian devotion and its relationship to Italian cultural identity. This collection of well-written essays is a "must read" for anyone who wishes to understand more fully the lives of Italian Americans. -- John Cardinal O' Connor, Archbishop of New York

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: Forum Italicum (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893127141
• ISBN-13: 978-1893127142
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, November 4, 2002

By 

Carmen (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Saints in the Lives of Italian Americans (Filibrary series) (Paperback)

I am not familiar with three of the gentlemen who are responsible for this book, but I am fortunate to have known one of them: Dr. Sal Primeggia. I was privileged to take his course, THE ITALIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE in college in the 1980's. An extraordinary course delivered with intense passion and conviction by a very extraordinary man.

I congratulate Dr. Primeggia and his fellow scholars on this wonderful piece of work, and encourage readers, especially Italian-Americans (although let's not limit it there), to devour this awesome book.

I hope Dr. Primeggia sees this review because I want to tell him in this rather public forum that those who have participated in the aforementioned course shall never forget his words and his lessons. Many generations of students owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for what he has given and indeed continues to give.

What a legacy to leave behind. Thank you, Dr. Primeggia!