Sport and the Shaping of Italian American Identity

The value of Gems’ book is that it can teach its reader so much on so many different levels, from learning about the plight of Italian-Americans in the United States to the vicissitudes of popular culture and ultimately sport’s participation in both. . . . This book is an enriching study of how sport has shaped and continues to shape our understanding of our lives and of both our individual and communal identities. This excellent book is fascinating and well written, and it will be of great interest to historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and, of course, specialists in the history of sport. Gems reminds readers that there are Italian Americans participating at the highest levels in all facets of American life, including sports, and there is quite probably one who will reprise DiMaggio’s role of iconic American hero with strong ties to his or her Italian-American family, community, and culture.