Ukrainians in America [Library Binding]

Myron B. Kuropas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1996

A history of the Ukraine accompanies a discussion of Ukrainian immigration to the United States and the Ukrainians' way of life in and contributions to their new country.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-The history of Ukrainian immigrants in America is woven into an account of the history of the people and their struggles to preserve a sense of their own identity for many centuries while under foreign domination. Kuropas carefully delineates the effects on their culture and religion under Polish, Lithuanian, Austro-Hungarian, Hungarian, and Russian rule. However, in his attempt to be fair to all in his discussion of religion, he is probably belaboring the topic for most readers. Of more relevance to a general audience is his account of the ways in which Ukrainian communities organized themselves in the U.S. and took part in the labor movement. This book is better than the 1972 edition; not only does it update the history of Ukraine through its independence in 1991, but it also has a more attractive format. It has been reorganized and rewritten considerably. Still, the text is a bit dry. Photographs are sharper than in the earlier edition, but all are still black and white. However, new full-color jacket art gives more than a hint at the glorious colors of Ukrainian embroidery and Easter eggs. A useful source for reports.
Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

[SERIES LAST REVIEWED IN BKL Ja 1 90, under Larsen, Ronald J. Gr. 5^-7.] --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Library Binding: 80 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group; Revised edition (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822519550
• ISBN-13: 978-0822519553
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,149,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes, good things do, indeed, come in small packages--"Ukrainians in America" is definitely such a gem!, January 25, 2009

By 

Yaroslava Benko "Mandrivnyk" (Arlington Heights, IL - USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ukrainians in America (Library Binding)

In my review of the 1973 edition of The Ukrainians in America, I wrote, in part, that sometimes good things do, indeed, come in small packages, and that to that list, The Ukrainians in America by Myron B. Kuropas, Ph.D., should be added. This 1996 revised edition, named Ukrainians in America is another gem that should be added to your list of `good things that come in small packages.' Revised and expanded with additional text and photos, this 1996 revised edition supplements very nicely the 1972 edition.

One change that you'll immediately notice is that the title has omitted the initial word "the." The new title will probably facilitate locating the book. This isn't the only change, however. Though many of the original photos are reproduced, sometimes, they are rearranged, and their sizes are enlarged. Among the new photos is one of U. S. President Bill Clinton with Ukraine's second president, Leonid Kuchma, "on the south lawn of the White House during a formal welcoming ceremony in November, 1994."

New information is a welcome addition, also. For the serious student of Ukrainian immigration to the United States, this book is an excellent starting point. Ukrainians in America covers a broad spectrum of topics, including organizations and associations.

The front cover of Ukrainians in America shows Daria Lysyj, owner of International Gallery and Gifts, with her granddaughter, Aleksandra Daria Rieland, in her Minneapolis, Minnesota shop in June, 1994. The back cover depicts the world-renowned Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs).

Maps, illustrations, tables, and black and white archival photos enhance the 80 pages of informational/educational text. This concise book differs from other books on the market by including photos and information not usually found in similar books. The history of Ukraine is concise and the maps are clear, making them easy to follow.

Ukrainians in America is comprised of four parts; a two-page glossary of terms used within the book, which are defined for quick reference; and, a three-page index, attesting to the numerous topics covered.

The end of the book lists a brief biography of the author, which has been enhanced considerably since the publication of the first edition in 1972. Please see the image gallery for a photo of the page about the author from the 1973 edition. Myron B. Kuropas, Ph.D., received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he wrote a dissertation on the Ukrainian immigration. Adjunct Professor in educational foundations at Northern Illinois University, lecturer, educator, columnist, recipient of awards, and author of numerous books are just some of the listings to be found in his formidable resume.

Update: In September, 2009, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko awarded Dr. Kuropas Ukraine's National Service Award to honor him for a lifetime of work on behalf of the European country. Dr. Kuropas' work has ranged from working in President Gerald Ford's administration to devising curriculum guidance for teachers all over the U.S.

Published by Lerner Publications Company as part of its IN AMERICA series, the first edition came out in 1972, joining twenty-six other titles, and explores the history of Ukrainian immigration to the United States, while introducing the people who helped make America the diverse, strong nation that she is.

Don't let the date of publication prevent you from enjoying the educational material to be found within its covers--this book is brimming with information that you may not find in other sources ("Taras Shevchenko and Ira Aldridge became friends when Aldridge visited St. Petersburg as part of a Shakespearean troupe.")--and, albeit the series is recommended for "curricular study of immigration in upper elementary, middle and junior high school," the general public will find it interesting for its inclusion of background material on Ukrainian history, culture, and religion. That the reading level is young adult (age group 6 and above) should be no hindrance, either; adults will also benefit from reading this book.

Although the companion website offers report tips, updates, and photos that are downloadable for reports and links to additional source sites, the sad reality is that Ukrainians are not included in this supplement. Should the companion website decide to include Ukrainians in the future, it would be a welcome addition.

Ukrainians in America is a fine addition to any library. Dr. Kuropas introduces many topics that should be explored in greater depth. I've referred to my copy of the 1973 edition of the book numerous times throughout the decades, and heartily recommend both it and the revised 1996 edition of Ukrainians in America as reference sources from which to start learning more about the Ukrainian experience, specifically, Ukrainian immigrants and their contributions to life in America. Libraries personal and public worldwide would benefit from owning this book -- definitely five stars plus!

Addendum: Readers, you're invited to visit each of my reviews--most of them have photos that I took in Ukraine (over 600)--you'll learn lots about Ukraine and Ukrainians. The image gallery shows smaller photos, which are out of sequence. The preferable way is to see each review through my profile page since photos that are germane to that particular book/VHS/DVD are posted there with notes and are in sequential order.

To visit my reviews: click on my pseudonym, Mandrivnyk, to get to my profile page; click on the tab called review; scroll to the bottom of the section, and click on see all reviews; click on each title, and on the left-hand side, click on see all images. The thumbnail images at the top of the page show whether photos have notes; roll your mouse over the image to find notes posted.

Also, you're invited to visit my Listmania lists, which have materials sorted by subject matter.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ukrainians in America, November 8, 2002

By 

smartnurse123 (Slidell, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ukrainians in America (Library Binding)

If you wanted to know a little more about Ukrainian Heritage this is an informative short book.

It is written like a long encyclopedia article and contains pictures. It's a perfect reference for a child doing a research report.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes, good things do, indeed, come in small packages--"The Ukrainians in America" is definitely such a gem!, February 2, 2009

By 

Yaroslava Benko "Mandrivnyk" (Arlington Heights, IL - USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ukrainians in America (Hardcover)

That sometimes good things do, indeed, come in small packages is a truism that everyone has probably personally experienced. For example, that jewelry ring or those car keys to a smart sports car exemplify the proverb precisely, but do be sure to add to that list The Ukrainians in America by Myron B. Kuropas, Ph.D.--for, it's a classic still sure to be found in Ukrainian bookstores, and a welcome addition gracing many library bookshelves, both private and public--if it's not on your shelves, it's not too late to begin enjoying an introduction to the Ukrainian immigrants in America and their contributions to American life.

Published by Lerner Publications Company as part of its IN AMERICA series, the first edition came out in 1972, joining twenty-six other titles, and explores the history of Ukrainian immigration to the United States, while introducing the people who helped make America the diverse, strong nation that she is.

Don't let the date of publication prevent you from enjoying the educational material to be found within its covers--this book is brimming with information that you may not find in other sources ("Taras Shevchenko and Ira Aldridge became friends when Aldridge visited St. Petersburg as part of a Shakespearean troupe.")--and, albeit the series is recommended for "curricular study of immigration in upper elementary, middle and junior high school," the general public will find it interesting for its inclusion of background material on Ukrainian history, culture, and religion. That the reading level is young adult (age group 6 and above) should be no hindrance, either; adults will also benefit from reading this book.

The cover of The Ukrainians in America is a collage of some of the photos and topics mentioned when you open this reference source. Because of its concise size covering a broad range of topics, this book is meant as an introduction, and will necessitate further research on your part.

The top photo is of Detroit's Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus. Bandurysts (Ukrainian: Bandurysty) are also known as kobzars. They were folk musicians who performed their recitatives and songs to the accompaniment of a bandura. The Encyclopedia of Ukraine covers this topic in-depth.

Middle, far left, is a photo of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago's Ukrainian Village. Google St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral to learn lots more.

Middle is a monument of Ukrainian bard Taras Shevchenko in Washington, D. C. For more photos of and information on this monument, please see my review of Taras Shevchenko, a Life, and visit the image gallery for that book, as well as other sites online.

Middle, right, is Metropolitan John Theodorovich, who was the first Ukrainian Orthodox metropolitan in the United States. The All-Ukrainian Orthodox Council of Ukraine appointed Archbishop Theodorovich to head the new church in America in 1924. By 1932, the diocese of the Archbishop included 32 parishes. And, by 1996, the church that Archbishop Theodorovich established was the largest Ukrainian Orthodox congregation in the United States.

Bottom, left, is the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, which was a gift of international friendship to the people of the United States from the people of France. Albeit the early Ukrainian pioneers started their immigration to the United States in 1865, "American historical records indicate that people with Ukrainian names were on the North American continent as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. The famous English colonist Captain John Smith, who had been in Ukraine, mentions a man called Lavrenty Bohoon (Bohun) in his memoirs. This same man later accompanied Smith to Jamestown, Virginia."

Bottom, center, is a photo of pysanka artist, Maria Procai, who learned pysanka writing from her grandmother in Ukraine. Google her name and visit the website of ArtUkraine for her biography and very pleasing photos of her award-winning pysanky. She and her daughter, Luba Perchyshyn, opened a gift shop; and, later her daughter sold her Easter Egg Decorating Kit not only there, but also internationally. National Geographic, in its April, 1972 issue, did an eight page pictorial entitled, 'Easter Greetings from the Ukrainians.' In 1975, a film about Ukrainian Easter Eggs 'Pysanka' by Slavko Nowytski, featured Luba's artistry in egg decorating. In 1978, the film won the International Gold Eagle Award for excellence, and is now available in video. Luba's ceramic work and pysanky have won many awards at the Minnesota State Fair.

Bottom, right, is a photo of Ukrainian artist and satirist, Edward Kozak (he used the name 'Eko'), who was born near Stryi, western Ukraine in 1902. His career pursuits included: painter, illustrator, caricaturist, humorist, editor and publisher, author, essayist and film animator. Professionally, he became an artist and film animator on TV programs for children.

Maps, illustrations, tables, and black and white archival photos enhance the 86 pages of informational/educational text. This concise book differs from other books on the market by including photos and information not usually found in similar books. The history of Ukraine is compacted, making it easy to follow.

The Ukrainians in America is comprised of four parts, a conclusion and an index. Please visit the image gallery for photos of the listings in the Contents and Index.

The end of the book lists a brief biography of the author, which has been enhanced considerably since the publication of the first edition in 1972. Please see the image gallery for a photo of the page about the author. Myron B. Kuropas, Ph.D., received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he wrote a dissertation on the Ukrainian immigration. Adjunct Professor in educational foundations at Northern Illinois University, lecturer, educator, columnist, recipient of awards, and author of numerous books are just some of the listings to be found in his formidable resume.

Update: In September, 2009, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko awarded Dr. Kuropas Ukraine's National Service Award to honor him for a lifetime of work on behalf of the European country. Dr. Kuropas' work has ranged from working in President Gerald Ford's administration to devising curriculum guidance for teachers all over the U.S.

Although the companion website offers report tips, updates, and photos that are downloadable for reports and links to additional source sites, the sad reality is that Ukrainians are not included in this supplement. Should the companion website decide to include Ukrainians in the future, it would be a welcome addition.

The Ukrainians in America is a fine addition to any library. Dr. Kuropas introduces many topics that should be explored in greater depth. I've referred to my copy of this book numerous times throughout the decades, and heartily recommend it as a reference source from which to start learning more about the Ukrainian experience, specifically, Ukrainian immigrants and their contributions to life in America. Libraries personal and public worldwide would benefit from owning this book -- definitely five stars plus!

Addendum: Readers, you're invited to visit each of my reviews--most of them have photos that I took in Ukraine (over 600)--you'll learn lots about Ukraine and Ukrainians. The image gallery shows smaller photos, which are out of sequence. The preferable way is to see each review through my profile page since photos that are germane to that particular book/VHS/DVD are posted there with notes and are in sequential order.

To visit my reviews: click on my pseudonym, Mandrivnyk, to get to my profile page; click on the tab called review; scroll to the bottom of the section, and click on see all reviews; click on each title, and on the left-hand side, click on see all images. The thumbnail images at the top of the page show whether photos have notes; roll your mouse over the image to find notes posted.

Also, you're invited to visit my Listmania lists, which have materials sorted by subject matter.