THE ITALIANS OF NEW YORK

Here, as in the other W.P.A. books, there is presented one phase of American life, -- history, folklore, scenery, cultural backgrounds, social and economic trends, racial factors, etc. The Italians comprise 15% of New York's population, and their history here goes back to immigration in 1880. Their share in the city's development, the part they played in business activity, social life, religion, orders, festivals. Their cultural interests and entertainments. Their influence on American art and music. Finally, their contribution to social work, education, hospitalization, the press. Not for a general market, but for social study groups, libraries, sectional groups. Material contributed by different writers, the tone throughout uniform, a straight reporting job. Not for light reading. Limited in interest outside New York.