This important collection reveals as never before the quality, extent, and variety of the Italian American contribution to American literature. Bringing together fiction and poetry as well as academic essays and newspaper articles from the 1800s to the present, this volume celebrates and explores the complex relationship between ethnicity and culture. Including many previously unpublished pieces as well as classic works, this definitive collection does not attempt to homogenzie the diversity of Italian American culture, but to honor it. With her usual wit and aplomb, editor Regina Barreca offers a taste of a rich literary heritage--and provdes fresh insight into the construction of every American's sense of identity.

Contributors include: Louise DeSalvo ~ Diane Di Prima ~ John Fante ~ Sandra Gilbert ~ Dana Goia ~ Jay Leno ~ Paul Mariani ~ Jay Parini ~ Gay Talese