How the Irish Became White - Tapa dura

..."carefully researched and often-illuminating." -"The New York Times Magazine ." . . perceptive . . .." -"The Washington Post "This meditation on the sources of racial antipathy is no ordinary work of history, but a sophisticated polemic against traditional conceptions of race . .." -"Boston Globe "In the historical literature on "race" relations there is much that safely can be ignored. However from time to time a study comes along that truly can be called "path breaking," "seminal," "essential," a "must read." "How the Irish Became White is such a study. Squarely in the intellectual tradition of C.L.R. James, and extending and building upon the work of Alexander Saxton and David Roediger, Noel Ignatiev has produced that rare work of historical scholarship that while firmly grounded in past events, also speaks forcefully to current concerns. Well done Brother Ignatiev." -Professor John Bracey, W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst ""How the Irish Became White is a major contribution to our understanding of race, ethnicity and class in American history. Impressive in its scope and analytical acuity, it provides valuable insight and consciousness. Ignatiev's book is impeccably researched and written with verve and imagination. Unquestionably, a "tour de force." -Herbert Hill, Evjue-Bascom Professor of African-American Studies and Professor of Industrial Relations, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ignatiev traces the tattered history of Irish and African-American relations, revealing how the Irish used labor unions, the Catholic Church and the Democratic party to succeed in American. He uncovers the roots of conflict between Irish-Americans and African-Americans and draws a powerful connection between the embracing of white supremacy and Irish "success" in 19th century American society.