3 comments about Italians to America, Volume 2 Jan. 1885-June 1887: List of Passengers Arriving at U.S. Ports (Italians to America).

1. Did not read but am interested in a book on Italians arriving in the Port of New Orleans in early 1900 or late 1800. Anything available?



2. I am absolutely interested in the edition that pertains to the years between 1900 and 1925. Please keep me posted or send it to me when available



3. If your looking for a needle in a haystack, these volumes-"Italians to America" are a must for any Italian-American geneaology buff. Fortunately, I had a death certificate that had the place of birth of my grandfather. Using the index with variations of our last name, I recorded the information and proceeded to lookup every entry. On my second trip to the public library I found the entry and all information checked out. His age, city of departure and his place of birth. My only complaint was that the editors didn't have this information on CDs. It would be a marvelous reference tool. Here's hoping that they have second thoughts about updating their next volume and replace with CDs.

5 comments about A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Italian Ancestors: How to Find and Record Your Unique Heritage (Genealogist's Guides to Discovering Your Ancestor...).

1. It has been one year since I started researching my Italian Ancestors and this was the first book I purchased. It was so easy to follow and helped me tremendously in reading the birth certificates, to write letters in Italian and to understand where to search.



2. I've been using this book for several years along with Trafford Cole's book about Italian records. Without these two books, I would not have had nearly as much success extracting information from reels of difficult-to-read records on microfilm. They are especially helpful dissecting the different types of records and the distinctive handwriting. There's tons of other indispensable information you'll need to know when embarking on any serious study of your Italian ancestors.



3. Whether your family came from Italy itself or the Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland, you will find this book gives you HEAPS of detail on how to approach the tricky matter of researching across cultures and across languages (assuming you speak only English!) It also gives a sound understanding of the national approach to archival material. Researchers making their way through all the paperwork need this - plus you get a good feel for what you have to do once you're actually there in person trying to contact the people who hold the records with the information you want to access.



4. This book is very informative about the history of the immigrations of Italians. The how to read Italian records alone is worth the price of this book. I am going to suggest this book to my genealogy class.



5. This book is a gold nugget in the form of countless bits of information for anyone searching for their Italian roots. I have been using software to look for my ancestors and was having no luck until I read about women traveling without their husbands traveling under their maiden names. Low and behold I found the passenger list with my great-grandmother traveling with my grandmother from their 1916 trip from Italy to the US! Thank you!

1 comments about The Severans: The Changed Roman Empire.

1. Michael Grant's book, The Severans, covers a very short period of Roman history that, due to the lack of source materials, is usually left untouched. My only complaint about the writing style is that the work really needs to be read twice: once to get the general feel of the ideas presented, and a second time to follow all the references to chapters found later on in the book. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Ancient Roman history, even though I found the price a bit high for a 90-page work.

No comments about Florence and the Medici.

No comments about An Introduction to Wall Inscriptions from Pompeii and Herculaneum (From Pompeii and Herculaneum).

2 comments about Papal Genealogy: The Families and Descendants of the Popes.

1. It's interesting to observe how dry academic language can take the juiciest gossip, the most outrageous of unfounded rumors, and the most gruesome tales of betrayal, debauchery, and degeneration and turn it into a tedious labor requiring considerable concentration just to keep track of the action.

   Weakened by unimaginative writing, this tome is primarily of interest for its wealth of genealogical detail. It includes stories of the popes from the tenth century to the nineteenth, but there has to be a more readable source for that material.




2. The book is well written with Genealogy trees interspersed for most of the Popes and their associated Clans.It covers a lot of territory so is lacking in real depth - some of the related trees are in separate parts of the book which is a bit hard to follow. Obviously the earliest Popes have the scantiest information, and perhaps a bit more of the background clan politics could have been added,feuds and the reasons for the feuds, but overall it is well researched and a great reference book to have on hand.Well recommended.

No comments about Finding Italian Roots: The Complete Guide for Americans.

4 comments about Our Italian Surnames.

1. Even though you might not find your surname listed, you will be able to find the "root" name yours derived from. I found it extremely interesting how some of our Italian name got their start. Also how some names are very specific to one certain area. A must for Italian genealogy.



2. I am fascinated that this book was even put together. It will give you a better understanding of Italian surnames and various origins. I think its a must have for any italian genealogist.



3. Joseph Fucilla was the son of Italian immigrants from a small village: his interest in his heritage led to in-depth investigations of the origins of Italian proper names - a field which contributes to genealogical pursuit in Our Italian Surnames. Originally published in 1949, this is still regarded as the authoritative reference on the subject, wit chapters covering botanical names, occupative names, compound names and more. Quite technical listings identify names under each category and add often extensive footnoted references: a must for any researching their Italian roots.



4. This is a reprint of a book written in 1949. Dr. Fucilla was born in Italy and a full professor at Northwestern U., who retired in 1965. My copy has a sturdy binding and no frills packaging. The entries are very clear and easy to follow. I was amazed by how many of the surnames I was interested in were covered. I have used it for years. This is a must have for anybody interested in Italian family history.

4 comments about Finding Italian Roots: The Complete Guide to Americans.

1. If it's family tree research you're seeking for a strong library collection, don't miss John Philip Colletta, Ph.D.'s Finding Italian Roots, 2nd Edition, which first appeared in 1993 and has been thoroughly revised for this latest presentation. From accessing and interpreting the records available for tracking Italian ancestors and recording their stories to locating key sources of records and civil and religious resources, Finding Italian Roots is packed with specific tips unique to Italian roots.



2. Dr. Colletta was very practical in his advice to genealogists - exhaust the resources here in the United States before beginning research in Italy. Once you get to Italy, there are numerous resources of which the book only gives a taste.
   
   He was also truthful when he said that Italians could care less about genealogy (they have the honor and privilege of living amongst thousands of years of history everyday) but they are very accomodating once you get to Italy (can't wait to experience that feeling!).
   
   I found the map of Italy - pre and post unification - helpful as well as the history of Italian Jews and the fact that they're the oldest type of Jew in the world. There still exists a somewhat healthy amount of Jews in Rome, which I found fascinating.
   
   With every book that I read about genealogy, I realize that no matter how many years of research I've done, there's still a lot to be learned and resources to be used that I still don't know about yet.
   
   I just wish the book would be updated.



3. This book is full of good information, indeed some of the idiocyncrqacies of the field of our precious heritage. It is realistic, honest and encourgaing to any level of researcher. There are stories we all can relate to . Another good reference for Italo-Americans.



4. Since Finding Italian Roots first appeared in 1993, an ever increasing number of Americans have become interested in tracing their Italian heritage. This thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded Second Edition provides up-to-date information about accessing and interpreting the vast universe of materials available for tracking Italian ancestors and recording their stories for future generations. It contains more state and local sources, more point-by-point explanations, more step-by-step instructions, more "insider" hints and helps, more illustrations, more specific examples, plus an expanded glossary and annotated bibliography, and numerous Internet websites in both English and Italian--all brought vividly to life through the colorful stories of real Italian and Italian-American ancestors. Whether you are just beginning your investigations or have been doing genealogy for years, this guide will help maximize your investment of time, effort, and money
   
   John Philip Colletta is one of America's most popular genealogical lecturers. Based in Washington, D.C., he teaches at the National Archives, Smithsonian Institution, and area universities. He is also a faculty member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (Birmingham, Ala.) and Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (Salt Lake City), and has been a course coordinator and instructor for other genealogical institutes as well. John was just a boy when he started asking his paternal grandparents about their roots in Italy. By 1971 he was tapping into Italian records through correspondence, and since then has made four research trips to his ancestral homeland. John's publications include numerous articles; the manual They Came in Ships:; A Guide to Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Arrival Record, now in its third edition; and the historical narrative Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath.

5 comments about Italian Genealogical Records: How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical & Other Records in Family History Research.

1. For those of you in search of your Italian heritage need look no further. Everything you need is right here in this relatively cheap book written by, get this, a non-Italian! Whether you just want to get your grandparents birth records from the 1890's or go all the way back to the 1700's to get your 5th great grandparents marriage record, this book will tell you how, in easy step by step instructions. Can't read or write in Italian? Mr. Cole's book does that for you, too. Don't know your Italian history? Guess what? Mr. Cole does, and he shares it with you in his book.
   There are many illustrations of actual Italian records from the 1800's to going back almost 1000 years, and he explains what each is and what the records say. This author covers the history of surnames as well.
   With the information in this book, it would be virtually impossible for someone who's ancestors were Italian not to discover their heritage.
   I strongly recommend this book.



2. Thank heavens this book came into my life as a dedicated heritage researcher, first generation Italo-American. Since I am alone in this, as are many out there I have founf doing this, I especially appreciated the wonderful sources, shortcuts, and information given to the noviate, although anyone can learn something from this complete guide. A great addition to the literature.



3. This was the first book I bought on Italian genealogy several years ago and it is still the best source for understanding Italian records. Using the form letters I have been successful in obtaining information from a variety of Italian sources. What is especially useful is the balance between the how to chapters and the background on the records. Highly recommended.



4. Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent book. But I found it to focus too much on providing general information rather than specific break-downs on actions to take.
   
   It may have been better if it were divided into two books- one giving the necessary history and background needed to understand how Italian records work, when they came into existence, etc. And another giving specific information and tips on how to obtain them.
   
   Italian records are as complex as it's history. So two books may have been in order, there is just so much information there. Or one book, with less information, but more specifics on each category that they chose.
   
   It left me a bit overwhelmed with knowledge, but still no clear direction to go in.
   
   It's kinda like when you are lost and try asking for directions and they tell you 3 different ways you can go, and all they do is confuse you more-so you have a lot of information but are somehow more confused. I'd rather have them tell me one way, that will get me there... I think that explains how I felt after reading this book.



5. This sourcebook is outstanding. I have read many similiar books but if you had to purchase one, this is it. It has everything and more than most others. It is packed with information. The first few chapters deal with Italian history which is invaluable. Without understanding Italian history you will not be able to understand how and why to search Italian ancestors in a way that is going to provide results. This books explains it all, has all the forms you'll need and is clear and concise. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book.