Across the Ocean to the Land of Mines: Five Thousand Stories of Italian Migration from the Mountains of Bologna and Modena to America at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

You have NO idea what it is like to discover this book! I hate reviewing Amazon products, but sometimes feel compelled to input if I feel its a good service to some who really need to know things. This time it's different. This is with great emotion. MY FAMILY IS IN THIS BOOK, including my Mother and Aunt! Even a picture of the father of my step Great Uncle. Couldn't wait to let the relatives know. Professore Ardeni did a magnificent job of writing this book, as if he knew each and every one mentioned. Thank you Professore Ardeni! Just a few of the magnificent stories of the millions of immigrants to this country. I think of my Grandfather's struggles as he related them to me. Have to get in touch with the publisher of this as that picture on the front cover of the two miners - that guy on the left is a dead ringer for my Grandpappy. Thank you again Pendragon IT and Pier Ardeni.

I was very disappointed that one line was given to the October 22, 1913 mine disaster in Dawson, New Mexico - the 2nd worst in United States history. At least 152 Italians died out of the total of 263 and many of them were from Tagliole, Pievepelago, Modena, Emilia-Romagna. The title led me to believe this book would have covered this tragic event. All I got out of reading this was finding out for the first time that Italian coal miners came to my home state of Illinois same as my grandfather went to Dawson.

The research on this topic was terrific. I found many references to my family.

The book is very detailed with an alphabetic list of family names as a reference. I learned a lot about the history of the Illinois Valley and it's relevance to the Italian immigration wave in the early 1900's.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book.. I have purchased two, and need to purchase two more for my children!