The Italian Americans

Take any textbook on either the humanities or Western culture, remove everything Italian, and what is left? “A very thin book,” says one of the many notable Italian Americans featured in this three-part series celebrating one of the American melting pot's largest ethnic groups. Combining archival footage, family movies, vintage photographs, and interviews, The Italian Americans explores Italian contributions to American daily life in such areas as family, community, religion, music, and food, as well as popular culture. Many Italians immigrated at the beginning of the 20th century, and underwent many cultural adjustments in the new world (WWII brought special inner turmoil--even though Italian Americans comprised the largest group fighting for the United States--since many first generation children were fighting and bombing villages in which native extended family members still resided). The series also looks at notable achievements by Italian Americans in all walks of life, including Stanley Tucci, Alan Alda, Frank Sinatra, Susan Lucci, Luciano Pavarotti, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Tommy Lasorda, Geraldine Ferraro, and many others. A joyous tribute to a people who helped build America while maintaining their ethnic identity, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)