"In his salutatory of the first issue of the weekly newspaper L'Eco del Rhode Island, editor Federico Curzio declares that the 'Italian Colony of Providence' had increased to the point where it warranted a media source that focused on and addressed the customs, traits, and interests of the Italian diaspora of Rhode Island. The founders of L'Eco del Rhode Island came together to begin to address the journalistic and literary needs of this growing community. In his study on the immigrant press, Robert E. Park argues, 'In addition to every other reason for the existence of a foreign-language press is its value to the immigrant, in satisfying his mere human desire for expression in his mother tongue.' In the late nineteenth century the Italian diaspora of Rhode Island, having become a substantial immigrant community within the state, yearned for a medium which would reflect their culture, written in their madre lingua. In later years this penchant for the Italian language would manifest itself in radio programs in addition to the Italian language newspapers."

First published in 1999. The many available scholarly works on Italian-Americans are perhaps of little practical help to the undergraduate or high school student who needs background information when reading contemporary fiction with Italian characters, watching films that require a familiarity with Italian Americans, or looking at works of art that can be fully appreciated only if one understands Italian culture. This basic reference work for non-specialists and students offers quick insights and essential, easy-to-grasp information on Italian-American contributions to American art, music, literature, motion pictures and cultural life. This rich legacy is examined in a collection of original essays that include portrayals of Italian characters in the films of Francis Coppola, Italian American poetry, the art of Frank Stella, the music of Frank Zappa, a survey of Italian folk customs and an analysis of the evolution of Italian-American biography. Comprising 22 lengthy essays written specifically for this volume, the book identifies what is uniquely Italian in American life and examines how Italian customs, traditions, social mores and cultural antecedents have wrought their influence on the American character. Filled with insights, observations and ethnic facts and fictions, this volume should prove to be a valuable source of information for scholars, researchers and students interested in pinpointing and examining the cultural, intellectual and social influence of Italian immigrants and their successors.

Presents information on all aspects of European American life including politics, employment and income, education, religion, literature, performing arts, science and medicine, and sports.

Vols. for 1957-61 include an additional (mid-January) no. called Directory issue, 1st-5th ed. The 6th ed. was published as the Dec. 1961 issue.