Lives and Letters of an Immigrant Family

The Van Dreveldts' Experiences along the Missouri, 1844-1866

Kenneth Kronenberg author Kenneth Kronenberg translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:University of Nebraska Press

Published:1st Dec '98

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Lives and Letters of an Immigrant Family cover

Anton and Theodor van Dreveldt grew up in Emmerich, Prussia, as the sons of a Catholic priest and his housekeeper—a situation their father tried to disguise by presenting himself as their uncle. As young men, both Anton and Theodor found their lives increasingly troubled. Anton drank heavily, and Theodor’s career was jeopardized by his participation in a banned political organization. These troubles, combined with growing Prussian authoritarianism, led to their independent emigrations to the United States, Theodor in 1844 and Anton in 1849.

Theodor, tormented by malaria and financial difficulties, returned to Germany, but Anton and his son Bernhard, who emigrated after Theodor’s return, remained. This separation helped produce a remarkable body of correspondence describing the van Dreveldts’ often troubled relationships with each other, their homeland, and America. Their letters compare the age-old tribulations of Europe against the promise and challenges of a new country. The van Dreveldts’ experiences provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of immigrant life.

ISBN: 9780803227415

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 554g

218 pages