'To know who you are, you need to know from whence you came.'This book contains the stories of three generations of Italian-Americans over a span of more than 150 years. It traces the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the Baratta family from Padula and the Visco family from Vico Equense, both of whom settled in New York City. The book is in part a history of Italy, in part a history of medicine, and in part a celebration of Italian- American culture. It contains family proverbs, medical aphorisms, and common sense advice from an Italian- American father, and features traditional recipes from Padula and Vico Equense.

John has lived in an Italian neighborhood during the 1930's and 40's. Nine stories are 80% factual, 20%fiction. Portrayed in the stories are pictures of authentic characters. Reviews by Joseph Nardiello Ph.D. associate professor of languages, states "stories of by gone days are amusing and poignant with a profound sense of Community. Mr. John Andreozzi, Sons of Italy archives coordinator Ma, MgW, Ma affirms "the books a priceless gift to those of use who did not grow up in little Italy. Immigrants from the mezzogorno southern part of Italy arrived in Buffalo to give economic opportunity and freedom to themselves their children and grandchildren. Nine stories in the 1920's and 1940's make alive their labors, foods they ate, wines they made, their joys, their sorrows. Come laugh, sing, eat, cry with us in memories of our parents, grandparents and the heritage they gave us. Reading these stories will absorb readers into truly experiencing living and breathing actualities of little Italy.

SECOND EDITION -- February 2018 -- Preface to the Second Edition: Since its original publication, I have been extremely gratified by the positive reception the book has received not only from the Italian-American Community but also from the general public. In this, its second edition, I have expanded the original book by adding more stories taken from my parents' memoirs and new stories about growing up in College Point and living in Italy. With a view to making it a more complete resource for Americans with an Italian heritage, I have also further explored Italian-American history, traditions, folklore, and culture. Description of the First Edition: "To know who you are, you need to know from whence you came." This book contains the stories of three generations of Italian-Americans. It represents over one hundred and fifty years of family history. It traces the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the Baratta family from Padula and the Visco family from Vico Equense, both of whom settled in Manhattan and subsequently moved to Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. The stories, which were taken from family memoirs and transcripts, are told by those who lived them in their own words and are placed in historical context. The book also includes the memoirs of the author which describe growing up in College Point N.Y. in the 40s,50s, and 60s, going to medical school in Italy and living in that country, finding his roots in his ancestral Italian hometowns, and practicing cardiology in New York City. Profusely illustrated, with maps and photographs on almost every page, this reader-friendly 434-page book, which was five years in the making, is a celebration of Italian-American culture. It explores Italian-American history, traditions, folklore, customs, music, food, values, and humor. The book also contains Italian proverbs and features recipes from Padula and Vico Equense. Please scroll up and buy the book. Enjoy, recall, and relive, depending on your age, the joys of growing up Italian-American in the 40s, 50s,and 60s, try the recipes, and journey with the Viscos and the Barattas as they emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s and made something of themselves and their children in America.

The Heritage Edition in Color - October 2018 - Learn about your heritage. Profusely illustrated, with maps and photographs on almost every page, this reader-friendly, entertaining, 434-page book, which was five years in the making, tries to define what it means to be Italian-American. It explores Italian-American history, values, and culture including traditions, religion, language, folklore, customs, music, food, and humor. The book also contains Italian Proverbs, offers sage Italian-American advice, and features recipes from Padula and Vico Equense. It tells the stories of three generations of Italian-Americans and represents over one hundred and fifty years of family history. It traces the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the Baratta family from Padula and the Visco family from Vico Equense, both of whom settled in Manhattan and subsequently moved to Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. The stories, which were taken from family memoirs and transcripts, are told by those who lived them in their own words and are placed in historical context. The book also includes the memoirs of the author which describe growing up in College Point, New York in the 40s,50s, and 60s, going to medical school and living in Italy, finding his roots in his ancestral Italian hometowns, and practicing cardiology in New York City. Since the author lived in Italy for almost six years, the book is also in part an Italian travelogue and contains descriptions, pictures, and interesting facts about many Italian cities including Padua, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Capri, Vico Equense, the Amalfi Coast, and Padula. Please scroll up, buy the book, and experience the joys of growing up Italian-American. Try the recipes, and journey with the Viscos and the Barattas as they emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s and made something of themselves and their children in America. P.S. The book also makes a great gift.

This book introduces readers to a wide range of interpretations that take oral history and folklore as the premise with a focus on Italian and Italian American culture in disciplines such as history, ethnography, memoir, art, and music.

Raised Italian-American remembers the history, stories, traditions, and values of growing up in an Italian neighborhood. One of my fondest memories as a child was to take a ride and view the beautiful nativity scenes that were erected throughout the neighborhood each Christmas. The popularity of these large statues, they are called presepi in Italy, started in Italy in the 17th century when it was fashionable to find them in palaces and homes of wealthy citizens. The newfound enthusiasm of erecting a presepi during Christmas may be contributed to Saint Gaetano who openly encouraged people to create the presepi as a sign of devotion. It wasn't until the later part of the 19th century that these presepi became a part of family traditions in nearly every home in Italy. This set is a beautiful piece of art and is a prized possession of the families that own them. I know that Phyllis' grandmother cherished her presepi until the day she died and the family still think fondly of their grandmother every time they see it at Christmas time.

This richly researched, beautifully illustrated volume illuminates an important, overlooked part of American history. From extensive archival materials and interviews with well-known Italian Americans, Maria Laurino strips away stereotypes and nostalgia to tell the complicated, centuries-long story of the true Italian-American experience. Looking beyond the familiar Little Italys and stereotypes fostered by The Godfather and The Sopranos, Laurino reveals surprising, fascinating lives: Italian-Americans working on sugar-cane plantations in Louisiana to those who were lynched in New Orleans; the banker who helped rebuild San Francisco after the great earthquake; families interned as “enemy aliens” in World War II. From anarchist radicals to “Rosie the Riveter” to Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Cuomo, and Bill de Blasio; from traditional artisans to rebel songsters like Frank Sinatra, Dion, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, this book is both exploration and celebration of the rich legacy of Italian-American life. Readers can discover the history chronologically, chapter by chapter, or serendipitously by exploring the trove of supplemental materials. These include interviews, newspaper clippings, period documents, and photographs that bring the history to life.

For Italian immigrants and their descendants, moving from "the city" to Long Island was more than a change of address. Even though the move wasn't far geographically, the societal move was large--it signaled that the family had achieved the American Dream, and in turn, elements of Italian values and culture are visible all over the island. Italians helped to build Long Island, whether as laborers or as contractors, such as the Castagnas. They brought their culinary traditions and opened markets, such as the still family-owned Iavarone Brothers Foods and restaurants, including New Hyde Park's Umberto's. Italians' industrialism helped them thrive in fields as diverse as medicine, politics, theater, and winemaking (including the nationally recognized Banfi label). Join author Salvatore J. LaGumina to discover the remarkable contributions and vibrant culture of Italians and Italian-Americans on Long Island.