Hoi, a young Chinese immigrant, has finished his work on the Continental Railroad. With the help of Spanish Louis, he turns his creativity into success by way of good-old American pies.

Important American periodical dating back to 1850.

This ground-breaking edited volume includes chapters which explore the past, present and future position of Chinese American authors within the framework of what Harold Bloom identifies as the “Western literary canon.” These selections, which simultaneously represent the exciting “transnational turn” in American literary studies, not only examine whether or not Chinese American literature is inside or outside the canon, but also question if there is, or should be, a literary canon at all. Moreover, they dissect the canonicity of Chinese American literature by elucidating the social, political and cultural implications of inclusion in the canon. Ultimately, however, this collection is designed as a preliminary step towards exploring the impact of Chinese American literature on the white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant-dominated American literary world, and probing the by-products of both cultural fusion and cultural collision.

This true story of a concubine and the Gold Rush years “delves deep into the soul of the real old west” (Erik Larson). “Once the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill launched our ‘national madness,’ the population of California exploded. Tens of thousands of Chinese, lured by tales of a ‘golden mountain,’ took passage across the Pacific. Among this massive influx were many young concubines who were expected to serve in the brothels sprouting up near the goldfields. One of them adopted the name of Polly Bemis, after an Idaho saloonkeeper, Charlie Bemis, won her in a poker game and married her. For decades the couple lived on an isolated, self-sufficient farm near the Salmon River in central Idaho. After her husband’s death, Polly came down to a nearby town and gradually spoke of her experiences. Journalist Christopher Corbett movingly recounts Polly’s story, integrating Polly’s personal history into the broader picture of the history of the mass immigration of Chinese. As both a personal and social history, this is an admirable book.” —Booklist “A gorgeously written and brilliantly researched saga of America during the mad flush of its biggest Gold Rush. Christopher Corbett’s genius is to anchor his larger story of Chinese immigration around a poor concubine named Polly. A tremendous achievement.” —Douglas Brinkley “Uses Bemis’s story as a platform for a larger discussion about the hardships of the Chinese experience in the American West.” —The Washington Post

Here is a wonderful Baedeker to down-and-dirty politics--more than six hundred slang terms straight from the smoke-filled rooms of American political speech. Hatchet Jobs and Hardball: The Oxford Dictionary of American Political Slang illuminates a rich and colorful segment of our language. Readers will find informative entries on slang terms such as Beltway bandit and boondoggle, angry white male and leg treasurer, juice bill and Joe Citizen, banana superpower and the Big Fix. We find not only the meaning and history of familiar terms such as gerrymander, but also of lesser-known terms such as cracking (splitting a bloc of like-minded voters by redistricting) and fair-fight district (which refers to areas redistricted to favor no political party). Each entry includes the definition of the word, its historical background, and illuminating citations, some going back more than 200 years. (We learn, for instance, that a term as seemingly current as political football actually dates back to before the Civil War.) Selected entries will have extended encyclopedic notes. The book also features sidebar essays on topics such as political words in Blogistan; a short history of "big cheese"; all about chads and the 2000 election; the suffix "-gate" and all the related Watergate terms; and the naming of legislation. Political junkies, policy wonks, journalists, and word lovers will find this book addictive reading as well as a reliable guide to one of the more colorful corners of American English.

More than 600 slang terms, straight from the smoke-filled rooms of political speech, highlight this glorious guide to one of the more colorful corners of American English.

The Outlaws of the Wild West: 150+ Westerns in One Edition stands as a monumental anthology that explores the allure and the multifaceted nature of the American West through its most emblematic genre: the Western. Within its pages, readers are treated to a diverse array of literary styles, from the rugged realism of pioneer life to the mythmaking narratives of outlaws and heroes. This collection, unparalleled in its scope, showcases the evolution of Western literature over time, presenting seminal works alongside lesser-known gems, offering a comprehensive insight into the genre's development and its lasting impact on American culture. The inclusion of works by celebrated authors such as Mark Twain and Jack London alongside those by niche writers ensures a rich and varied reading experience, encapsulating the broad expanse of the Western narrative landscape. The collective backgrounds of the anthology's authors provide a vivid tapestry of the American literary canon. From Twains razor-sharp wit to Londons raw depiction of adversity and survival, and Cathers evocative portrayal of frontier life, the anthology spans a critical period in American history. These authors, hailing from diverse walks of life, bring authenticity and depth to their depiction of the West, reflecting the socio-political landscapes and cultural shifts of their respective eras. The anthology not only commemorates the traditional Western but also underscores the genres role in exploring themes of identity, conflict, and the American dream, echoing the complexity and contradictions of American society itself. The Outlaws of the Wild West: 150+ Westerns in One Edition offers readers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the heart of American literary heritage. It appeals not only to aficionados of the Western genre but also to those keen on exploring the narratives that have shaped American identity and mythology. This anthology opens up a dialogue among a wide array of voices, each adding its unique perspective to the vast, untamed landscapes of the American West. As such, it is an essential read for anyone looking to grasp the full spectrum of American literary output, offering an educational journey through time and across the plains, mountains, and deserts that have inspired generations of storytellers.