by Michele Alonzo, School Amici Director
Gerardo Perrotta is one of the first Italians I
met when I came to Cincinnati, 23 years ago. We have worked in the same College
of Medicine for over two decades and he has been a teacher at the Italian
language School Amici for the past seven years. When I first heard from Gerardo about his plan to write a
book about Italian themes stamps, he was not even teaching for the school and
my kids were probably still playing hide and seek. The project was interesting
and innovative; considering that
Gerardo has lived in the USA for a long long time and is passionate about Italy
and its history, I had no doubt that his book would be engaging and interesting
for both Italian and American readers.
Gerardo has worked for many years on a diligent research, involving many
sources both here and in Italy, to complete his book and, during all these
years, has collected interesting facts on many Italians who have influenced the
history of the United States during many centuries. So when this past spring he
told me that the book was ready to be published, I was definitely glad that we readers
could finally enjoy the end result of his intellectual dedication to a project
he had at heart. I was also sure that each one of us, and not only stamp
collectors, would like the publication, while being educated on the life of famous
Italian Americans.
There are many ways to tell the Italian American history and
Gerardo found a unique novel one in his book,”
Phila-Italy Americana, Italian Themes on United States Postage Stamps”. Having
collected stamps over many years, he discovered that there are many US stamps
that have a clear Italian theme and many others whose connection to Italy is
not so apparent.
Gerardo Perrotta is one of the first Italians I
met when I came to Cincinnati, 23 years ago. We have worked in the same College
of Medicine for over two decades and he has been a teacher at the Italian
language School Amici for the past seven years. When I first heard from Gerardo about his plan to write a
book about Italian themes stamps, he was not even teaching for the school and
my kids were probably still playing hide and seek. The project was interesting
and innovative; considering that
Gerardo has lived in the USA for a long long time and is passionate about Italy
and its history, I had no doubt that his book would be engaging and interesting
for both Italian and American readers.
Gerardo has worked for many years on a diligent research, involving many
sources both here and in Italy, to complete his book and, during all these
years, has collected interesting facts on many Italians who have influenced the
history of the United States during many centuries. So when this past spring he
told me that the book was ready to be published, I was definitely glad that we readers
could finally enjoy the end result of his intellectual dedication to a project
he had at heart. I was also sure that each one of us, and not only stamp
collectors, would like the publication, while being educated on the life of famous
Italian Americans.There are many ways to tell the Italian American history and
Gerardo found a unique novel one in his book,”
Phila-Italy Americana, Italian Themes on United States Postage Stamps”. Having
collected stamps over many years, he discovered that there are many US stamps
that have a clear Italian theme and many others whose connection to Italy is
not so apparent.
I think that Phila-Italy
Americana is a book for any Italian American interested in learning about
their heritage and for all those who appreciate Italian culture in general. The
book is an easy read and lends itself to initiate conversation as each stamp presents
an encapsulated view of our rich history. These stamps tell stories of significant
events that led to the discovery and progress of our nation; they feature
historical figures some of whom have never been to the United States and much
less knew of its existence. The book also profiles a vast array of art and
cultural items that have become part of the US national treasure. Many Italians
have crossed the Atlantic Ocean during the last few centuries to come to the
USA. The many interesting details gleaned from these stamps reflect Gerardo’s
genuine interest to share with pride the contributions and legacy of these
immigrants to the modern country. Their sacrifices coupled with many Americans
who admire Italian art, culture, music and language; their contribution has
allowed Italians to grow as the fifth largest ethnic group in the United
States.
We modern Italians are the beneficiary of those who struggled
to establish a foothold in this country. The story draws us closer as Italian
Americans because it belongs to all of us. It swells our pride in our heritage
and appreciation for this great country where we live.
Gerardo Perrotta's book symbolically embodies the pride of those who helped building and shaping up the United
States of America, sometimes sacrificing their life for a better future. So if
you are an Italian American, you will particularly enjoy this publication. I
also think that the book could be an affordable meaningful gift for a relative
or friend during the upcoming holidays and something to preserve for the
generations to come.
The book is available in print and electronic format on
Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and Xlibris.com
Buone Feste!
