Building Little Italy: Philadelphia's Italians Before Mass Migration

by Richard N. Juliani

Book Overview

Philadelphia's first Italian immigrants arrived in the mid-eighteenth century. Artists and scholars, tradesmen and entrepreneurs, they established a new community--one of the first "Little Italies" in America--that would provide not just a home but a sense of belonging for later arrivals. Richard Juliani tells the story of early Italians in the City of Brotherly Love: why they chose that city, what their lives were like, where they lived, and how...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0271028645
• ISBN13: 9780271028644
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Penn State University Press
• Length: 422 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Building Little Italy - a Valuable Story and Reference Tool

In Building Little Italy: Philadelphia's Italians Before Mass Migration, Richard Juliani provides a volume that would be of value to many interested readers. Building Little Italy tells the story of the early Italian immigrant to the City of Brotherly Love, complete with the everyday challenges and hurdles faced by this fledgling group. This book brings to life many new details and is in many ways groundbreaking, as little if any has been published in this area before. Dr. Juliani provides a painstakingly researched tome, with statistical information beautifully complimented by wonderful photos. No rocks are left unturned. For those interested in Italian American or European cultural history, Juliani allows you to step into the shoes of an early Italian immigrant - attempting to adjust to a new nation while trying to maintain ties to his people. Some of the immigrants met with more success than others. Several early Italians in Philadelphia contributed a wealth to this ethnically rich city, and others were on hand to see many historical events. In addition to being a fascinating cultural read, Building Little Italy is an excellent reference tool for those studying this area on a scholarly level. This volume will be a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf of many. It is wholeheartedly recommended to any readers interested in Italian American culture or research.