From Library Journal
This impressive reference book on a topic that is, unfortunately, too rare gives an overview of the influence Italians have had on American culture. It includes short biographies of prominent people (such as former New York governor Mario Cuomo, Robert De Niro, Camille Paglia, and Enrico Fermi); not so obvious Italian Americans (Anne Bancroft, composer Walter Piston, Bobby Darin, and Bernadette Peters); as well as those lesser known, such as novelist John Fante, Candido Jacuzzi (inventor of the high-pressure tub), Edward DeBartolo (the leading builder of shopping malls), and Amadeo Obici (the founder of Planter's peanut company). More importantly, the book contains essays on the ways in which Italian Americans changed American geography and history. There are entries describing the country's many Little Italys; on how Italian Americans changed pop music with singers such as Frank Sinatra and Madonna; and on Italians' formation of and influence on labor unions. A chapter titled "Radicalism" enumerates the many organizations in which Italians were involved--Fascist, Socialist, anti-Fascist, and anarchist; such chapters as "Population" and "Demography" offer substantial information on the immigration to and settlement of the United States. With contributions from over 150 scholars, this is a thorough, accessible reference work. Recommended for every library.-Mark Rotella, Brooklyn, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


The Long Island Catholic
"For anyone wishing to know more about Italian-American heritage...it's in there."


The International History Review
"A thorough, accessible reference work. Recommended for every library."


Book Description
The first encyclopedia to offer comprehensive coverage of the history and cultural contributions of Italian Americans
The millions of Italians who have migrated to the United States over the last two centuries have played a crucial--and at times little recognized--role in the history of their adopted country. This encyclopedia, the first book of its kind, presents the totality of the Italian American experience. The coverage includes such broad topics as the influence of Italian Americans on politics and society and their contributions to art and to the development of Catholicism in the United States. The book also offers unique insights into previously neglected topics such as anti-Italian discrimination in the United States, which is both a historical phenomenon and a contemporary social issue; Italian American organizations, groups, and archival depositories, all of which form a rich resource for the study of the Italian American experience; the role and status of Italian American women; issues of assimilation; and Italian Americans in the media. Biographical entries on prominent historic and contemporary Italian Americans
Italian Americans have participated in every occupation and endeavor in American life throughout history. The breathtaking range and depth of their contributions are reflected in the extensive biographical coverage in The Italian American Experience. Included are such diverse figures as Constantino Brumidi, Vivian Della Chiesa, the Grucci family, Fiorello LaGuardia, Madonna, Antonin Scalia, Rosa Ponselle, Frank Sinatra, Frank Stella, and Joseph Zappulla. The biographies are valuable prism through which to examine the richness and diversity of the Italian American experience. A major contribution to furthering the understanding of America's multicultural heritage
In a time when many people in the United States are concerned about the influx of new immigrants and with the issues relating to American pluralism, this book provides a detailed account of how the largest ethnic group in America at the beginning of the 1900s dealt with the process of accommodation and assimilation.


About the Author
Salvatore J. LaGumina is an emeritus professor of history at Nassau Community College, where he served as director of the Center for Italian American Studies. Frank J. Cavaioli is an emeritus professor at the State University of New York College of Technology at Farmingdale. Cavaioli is a former president of the American Italian Historical Association. Salvatore Primeggia is professor of sociology at Adelphi University. Joseph A. Varacalli is professor of sociology at Nassau Community College.

FROM THE PUBLISHER