When Lawrence J. McCaffrey's The Irish Diaspora in America was published in 1976; it won rave reviews and quickly became the standard college and university text on the Irish-American experience. Named the "best short history of the Irish in America" by Andrew M. Greeley in a New York Times review; McCaffrey's work traced the experience of Irish-American Catholics from their beginnings as detested; unskilled pioneers of the urban ghetto to their rise as an essentially affluent; powerful; middle-class suburban community.Blending his work and the contributions of other scholars; McCaffrey here adds fresh interpretations to the history of Irish American Catholics. He focuses on a number of topics; including the significance of Catholicism as the core of Irish ethnicity and the source of nativist attacks on their presence in the United States; the impact of Irish America on the course of Irish nationalism; the psychological struggle to reconcile Irish loyalties to an authoritarian religion and a liberal-democratic politics; and; more recently; the fading of the Catholic dimension of Irish identity.ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Lawrence J. McCaffrey is professor emeritus of Loyola University of Chicago. He is the cofounder of the American Conference for Irish Studies and the author of numerous books and articles; including The Irish Question: Two Centuries of Conflict; Textures of Irish America; and Ireland from Colony to Nation State. He is frequently interviewed by the major television networks and is featured in an upcoming PBS documentary on Irish America.PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:"The reissue of McCaffrey's classic study is a tribute to his contribution to our understanding of that great migration. He has been; and remains; a major pioneering figure in the field." "A fine; moving and scholarly account of great merit and insight. The previous edition stood the test of time. This latest version will further extend and enhance McCaffrey's considerable influence and stature."―The Heythrop Journal"When the original study appeared; I shared with many other historians the opinion that McCaffrey had written the best-single volume history of the American Catholic Irish; the new volume confirms that judgment. While this study will appeal to anyone with an interest in the subject; it is an historiographical gem for historians. The bibliographic essay alone justifies its acquisition."―John B. Duff; The International History Review"An immensely readable book which charts the experience of Irish Catholics in America. Acknowledging his critics and in defense of the Catholic dimension to his analysis; McCaffrey argues that for the majority of Irish in America; their Catholicism proved to be an important signifier of their ethnic; cultural; and national identity."―Journal of American Ethnic History"McCaffrey has been the pioneering social historian of the American Irish. This book is a survey of the territory; rethought and recast since initial publication over 20 years ago. . . . The early chapters are a very useful summary of the Irish background; and the Irish-American chapters are windows into the essential themes of this remarkable diaspora."―Prof. Charles Fanning; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale"McCaffrey's book is a seminal and indispensable resource for anyone trying to understand the Irish experience in America. A seamless blend of insight and scholarship; it manages to be sweeping without every being superficial. This is a work of enduring importance."―Peter Quinn; author of Banished Children of Eve"Drawing on a lifetime of reading and research; McCaffrey has written an informative; cogent and highly readable book; which includes a splendid bibliographical essay. This is a valuable contribution to Irish studies and ethnic history; one that should appeal
#1929705 in Books The University Press of Kentucky 2005-04-22Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.52 x 1.23 x 6.32l; 1.67 #File Name: 0813123496480 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Title says it all.By Nicholas RobertsThis book is about how Gerald Ford confronted the numerous problems that confronted the nation during the 1970s. The book is divided into several parts. The first involves the constitutional crisis of pardoning Nixon and getting respect back to the Presidency. Ford's upfront approach and willingness to work with others helped to heal the wounds of Watergate; but did not seal them. Time would prove Ford right in the end however.Second part covers the economic crisis at the time. Inflation was high; unemployment was high; and the economy was in a severe recession. The author presents Ford's economic plan; the effects and how it improved the nation.Third part involves the energy crisis and the fourth his bid for re-election. Everything is covered and explained in an easy to read format. It gives you a greater appreciation for Ford as a man and a politician. It is unfortunate that we do not have more of this type of politician in office today.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A great political workBy Lehigh History StudentThis is an excellent book not only for summarizing the presidency of Gerald Ford but also for understanding of how the 1970's changed America. For those who wish to understand 2008 and the problems facing the election and the country they only have to look back to this time in history where unbridled disgust of the government and economic woes were abound. As past reviewers have stated this book does an excellent job of looking at how the Ford presidency shaped the America and provides a necessary reevaluation of the times. While Truman got his mythical bounce during the Ford era it may be in the times of the 2008 election and George W Bush that Ford may see his redemption. Ford faced a challenge unlike many presidents and as the author states "Ford may have been elected at the most unlucky time in history" with a host of internal political strife; economic woes of inflation and soon to be rising unemployment; as well as falling world prestige. He approached these problems with honesty and common sense providing leadership that saved the Republican Party and possibly allowed the country to heal from the rifts. Despite not wining reelection Ford shaped the future by marshaling the economic forces of the time trying to give the Carter administration a policy to work with. As you read the energy policies in this book they smack of the very things being discussed in 2008 from CAFÉ standards to development of alternate energy standards. In all this is a fascinating book to read and I recommend it to all students of political history.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Best Ford BiographyBy J. SmallridgeAlthough this reads like an academic text; it is a GOOD academic text. The work fully illuminates the problems that Ford dealt with;(both domestic and foreign) and brings to life the 1970s. Mieczkowski is a great writer and is very good at throwing in numerous details to keep the reader engaged.
