Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I discovered that immigrants were American history; American historian Oscar Handlin once wrote. The history of immigration to America not only provides insights into the nation's ever-changing character; it also reveals how the phenomenon has affected nearly every aspect of the country's existence; including historical; legislative; social; political; and cultural developments. Immigration is a fascinating look at a popular - and often controversial - topic in American history. Enhanced by contemporary accounts and testimonies by and about immigrants; this volume explores the conditions that forced different groups from their native lands; the physical and emotional challenges they faced; the receptions they encountered; and the influences they had upon American life.
#1731352 in Books Balas Egon 2008-03-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.05 x 1.22 x 6.08l; 1.47 #File Name: 0815609302469 pagesWill to Freedom A Perilous Journey Through Fascism and Communism
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Brilliance and bravery saved himBy Angela M. HeyIf ever I get imprisoned I'll remember to use a coffee-stained napkin and stale bread to make a chess set. I also learned from Egan Balas that to exercise in a confined space one takes an odd number of steps - else one walks in circles. Algorithmic ingenuity enabled him to successfully take up mathematics in his late 30s; against the conventional wisdom that good mathematicians do their work when young; and become an outstanding professor of industrial administration; applied mathematics and operations research at Carnegie Mellon University.He tells stories of his lives - escaping death narrowly - "according to my own taste"; making it one of the most compelling biographies I have ever read.This would be an extraordinary thriller if it were fiction - but it's not; it's real. The highly personal account of how a Transylvian Jew became a revolutionary worker; a dapper diplomat; a tortured prisoner and a creative academic takes one through some absolutely awful scenes. Balas' craftiness enabled him to survive and his toughness under severe torture protected his friends. This is not some second hand account of Communist and Nazi hate; Balas drags the reader through his pain and suffering. There are happier moments - such as when he comes out of prison and addresses his daughter - not realizing that he's speaking to a younger sibling born in his absence and that his daughter has grown considerably.For anyone who wants to understand willpower and survival in Hungary and Romania during the 2nd world war this is a must read. Besides historical interest; the story's suspense makes it an ideal gift for thriller and spy story readers.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. inspiring legend from a sagacious elderBy S. ShenI am a PhD student doing Operations Research - more specificly; Mixed Integer Programming - that is why I purchased this book; just because of the curiousity about the autobiography of a brilliant mathematician in our field.I started this book in the end of Feb and couldn't help stopping digging into his unbelievable and inspiring life stories and have already started the third time. Everytime I get new gains and thoughts. First; it is definitely a good encouragement for my research work; by his enthusiasm and passion for knowledge and mathematics; in addition; I always can judge my attitude to life and people by learning from his experience and his eternal optimistic awareness. Here is a book; where you can find faith; justice; intelligence; honesty and love.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. outstanding human being; inspiring to follow his autobiographyBy CFThis autobiography is mindblowing. Explained in a plain and captivating style; it brings us to how past generations have endured (and fought) terrible times. Egon Balas is an increadible person from which we should all learn.
