Looking for Jimmy - by Peter Quinn (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this stunning work chronicling the author's exploration of his own past--and the lives of many hundreds of thousands of nameless immigrants who struggled alongside his own ancestors--Peter Quinn paints a brilliant new portrait of the Irish-American men and women whose evolving culture and values continue to play such a central role in all of our identities as Americans. In Quinn's hands, the Irish stereotype of "Paddy" gives way to an image of "Jimmy"--an archetypal Irish-American. From Irish immigration to modern politics, Quinn vibrantly weaves together the story of a remarkable people and their immeasurable contribution to American history and culture.

Review Quotes

A wonderful addition to the story of the Irish in America...teem[ing] with deep, surprising insights.---Pete Hamill

You don't have to be Irish or Irish-American to love this book. Whoever you are, you are in it. This is the kind of book you will want to bestow on anyone with, or without, a hyphen in their history.---Frank McCourt

A sweeping tale of disaster, survival, and triumph.-- "San Francisco Chronicle"

An exceptionally thoughtful and interesting inquiry into Irish America.-- "The Washington Post"

Charming... A timely reminder that controversy over immigration exists as very much part of a continuum.-- "The New York Times"

The Irish American story--a 150-year saga--is a fascinating one, and Quinn tells it superbly. A charming, informative, and memorable book.-- "America Magazine"

About the Author

Peter Quinn is a novelist, political historian, and foremost chronicler of New York City. He is the author of Banished Children of Eve and a trilogy of historical detective novels--Hour of the Cat, The Man Who Never Returned, and Dry Bones.