Interested in buying this book, or the one on meatpackers by Roger Horowitz? See the symposium on Halpern and Horowitz's work in the journal _Labor History_ 40:2 (1999). They have also jointly authored a collection of oral history interviews -- all available from Amazon

This is one of the best labor history books I've read: it is scholarly, no doubt about that, but SO, SO "readable." Almost like a novel at points. It's important, too, because it sheds much light on the way in which blacks and whites managed to unite around common interests. It also makes wonderful use of oral histories, so that the characters really come to life.

Rick B Halpern is a renowned commentator on the American Meatpacking Industry, and in this meticolusly researched book he chronicles the results of years of inquiry into what Chicago proletarians in hushed tones refer to as 'the big slaughterhouse.' Don't be put off by the picture of the Cow being killed on the front - there's plenty more meat inside and it's not covered in blood and guts. I was particularly impressed by his use of oral history. Too many modern historians ignore this valuable resource, but Halpern is a man on a mission and no lack of written records is going to get in his way. Overall, I found this book was a valuable contribution to an underresearched area and I believe should be read by anyone interested in modern Northern American Labour history.

This is one of the most innovative books I have read on the subject of comparative history. It brings a breath of fresh air to the field. Both professionals and amateurs who are interested in American and Italian history will find it intellectually stimulating.
The authors provide well-crafted essays which touch on some of the most controversial topics related to both Souths. Slavery and labour relations, the ideology of the landed elites, modernisation and backwardness are all topics treated at length in the contributions. Particularly impressive is the attempt by a few authors, such as Enrico Dal Lago and Donna Gabaccia, to write explicitely comparative essays.
The introduction to the book not only sets the guidelines for the entire comparative project, but it will also be an inspiration for any future scholar who will have in mind to study a specific aspect of this fascinating comparison between the American South and the Italian Mezzogiorno.
This is a MUST read for both comparative historians and American and Italian historians alike. At the same time students and non academics will find it an extremely interesting book.

This is a splendid resource for those seeking an affordable, single volume overview of American slavery. The documents work exceedingly well in sparking class discussions, and the editors have done an impressive job trimming down the excerpted articles/book chapters so that students can get through them without missing out on substance. Also useful are the suggestions for further reading -- up to date and relevant.