This book deals with the formation of New York Cityâs multicultural character. It draws a sketch of the metropolisâ first big immigration waves and describes the development of immigrants who entered the New World as foreigners and strangers and soon became one of the most essential parts of the cityâs very character. A main focus is laid upon the ambiguity of the immigrantsâ identity which is captured between assimilation and separation, and one of the most important questions the book deals with is whether the city can be seen as one of the worldâs greatest melting pots or just as a huge salad bowl inhabiting all kinds of different cultures. The book approaches this topic from an historical and a fictional point of view and concentrates on personal experiences of the immigrants as well as on the cultural impact immigration had on the megalopolis New York.
"City of Nations" includes 43 historical photographs and illustrations which give an impression of the early immigrants as well as their living and working conditions.