Immigrants in the Lands of Promise - (Cornell Studies in Comparative History) by Samuel L Baily (Paperback)

About the Book

Most studies of immigration to the New World have focused on the United States. Samuel L. Baily's eagerly awaited book broadens that perspective through a comparative analysis of Italian immigrants to Buenos Aires and New York City before World War I.

Book Synopsis

Most studies of immigration to the New World have focused on the United States. Samuel L. Baily's eagerly awaited book broadens that perspective through a comparative analysis of Italian immigrants to Buenos Aires and New York City before World War I. It is one of the few works to trace Italians from their villages of origin to different destinations abroad. Baily examines the adjustment of Italians in the two cities, comparing such factors as employment opportunities, skill levels, pace of migration, degree of prejudice, and development of the Italian community. Of the two destinations, Buenos Aires offered Italians more extensive opportunities, and those who elected to move there tended to have the appropriate education or training to succeed. These immigrants, who adjusted more rapidly than their North American counterparts, adopted a long-term strategy of investing savings in their New World home. In New York, in contrast, the immigrants found fewer skilled and white-collar jobs, more competition from previous immigrant groups, greater discrimination, and a less supportive Italian enclave. As a result, rather than put down roots, many sought to earn money as rapidly as possible and send their earnings back to family in Italy. Baily views the migration process as a global phenomenon. Building on his richly documented case studies, the author briefly examines Italian communities in San Francisco, Toronto, and Sao Paulo. He establishes a continuum of immigrant adjustment in urban settings, creating a landmark study in both immigration and comparative history.

Review Quotes

Baily makes a convincing argument for multinational comparisons.

--Michael La Sorte "Journal of American Ethnic History"

Immigrants in the Lands of Promise is exceptional in various regards. The book is written in a clear, economical style. Statistics and narrative are combined in a balanced, articulated, and useful manner... Baily's stubborn loyalty to quantititative methods produces important insights into issues that needed to be addressed and quantified.

--Ricardo D. Salvatore, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella "Latin American Research Review"

Many speak of the virtue of comparative history, but few are brave enough to undertake the challenge. Samuel Baily accepted the challenge and has made an important contribution to this emerging genre... This volume should stimulate lively discussions among students of migration, urban studies, and comparative history.

--Rudolph J. Vecoli, University of Minnesota--Twin Cities "The Journal of American History"

The author examines the way in which groups of immigrants coming from various parts of Italy adapted to the realities of their new situation... Baily's approach... makes his work a rarity in the field of the immigration history... His book is an excellent example of how it is possible to succeed in this not easy intent.

--Elisabetta Vezzosi, University of Trieste "Journal of Social History"

About the Author

Samuel L. Baily is Professor of History at Rutgers University. Among his other books are Labor, Politics and Nationalism in Argentina, The United States and the Development of South America, and One Family, Two Worlds (with Franco Ramella).