The Eighth Tribe, 1976 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1976-06-01 / 6. szám
Page 10 THE EIGHTH TRIBE June, 1976 Book Review . . . HUNGARIANS IN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY I’ve always considered myself a “good” Hungarian. I went to a Hungarian church, liked hungarian food, and even spoke enough of the language to completely baffle my poor grandmother. But like many Hungarian-Americans my age, I thought Hungarians didn’t appear upon the American scene until the 1890’s or so. That’s why I had my doubts when my father asked me to proof-read a book on Hungarians in the Mississippi Valley — it couldn't possibly be more than a couple of pages long, or so I assumed. I was surprised. What lay before me was a 128- page book, full of Hungarians who I had never even known existed — but played a vital part in the history of that section of America. As I read, I grew prouder, realizing that Hungarians ARE a real, viable part of American history, but no one has ever bothered to research them before. Mr. Könnyű traces the history of Hungarians in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Illinois. The book contains never-before published letters from Kossuth, and carries a detailed report on Kossuth’s visit to St. Louis. He presents in-depth biographical sketches of several Civil War Heroes, including John Xantus and Col. Charles Zagonyi. There is a section on Hungarians who participated in the World’s Fair in St. Louis. Also included are present day Hungarians of influence who make their homes in the Mississippi Valley — professors, doctors and artists. After reading the book, I found myself wishing I could go find all the towns those brave Hungarians founded. But as Könnyű points out, many of the towns are gone or the Hungarian population has been absorbed as the cities grew. In some of the larger cities, such as St. Louis, there still remains a large active group of Hungarians who continue to pronounce their heritage. I heartily recommend this book to all Hungarian- Americans and anyone who enjoys American history. It will be eye-opening, a little saddening, a little heartening and totally enjoyable. NJC LOUIS KOSSUTH “THE NATION’S GUEST” A Bibliography on His Trip in the United States December 4, 1851 — July 14, 1852 Compiled and edited by Joseph Széplaki, Librarian, Head of Acquisitions, and Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Libraries. This 160 page bibliography is the first of its kind pertaining to Louis Kossuth’s trip in the United States. It contains more than 1600 entries, including poems, newspaper articles, manuscript collections, etc. and is illustrated with numerous contemporary pictures and prints. Among the illustrations is a detailed map of Kossuth's tour through the United States. Also included is a section of unique U.S. Documents —almost entirely complete—concerned with events related to Kossuth. This volume is a Highly informative reference work for the serious researcher and scholar interested in the impact of Kossuth on pre-Civil War U.S. history. To: Bethlen Press, Inc., P.O. Box 637, Ligonier, Penna. 15658 Please send me.................copies of LOUIS KOSSUTH “THE NATION’S GUEST” at $5.00/vol. Name............................................................................................ Institution.................................................................................... Address ......................................................................................... City ..............................................State..................Zip............... Payment must accompany all orders under $50.00. Please add 75c postage and handling on first volume, 15c on each additional volume. To: Bethlen Press, Inc., P.O. Box 637, Ligonier, Penna. 15658 Please send me ................. copies of “HUNGARIANS IN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY” at S4.00/volume. Name............................................................................................ Institution................................................................................... Address ....................................................................................... City..................................................State............. Zip............. Payment must accompany all orders under $50.00. Please include 50c postage and handling on first volume, 15c on each additional volume.
