During the last 50 years, the United States has become the home of immigrants from many Asian and Caribbean countries, and it has continued to receive people from European countries as well. Writers from these immigrant groups have greatly enriched American literature and society since World War II, and their works reflect their experiences as newcomers to the United States. Furthermore, their writings reflect their cultural heritage and tell the story of their ancestral lands. This reference is a comprehensive guide to immigrant literatures in the United States during the last five decades.
Broad sections of the volume are devoted to Asian-American, Caribbean-American, European-American, and Mexican-American literatures. Within each section, individual chapters treat particular immigrant groups. Previously underrepresented groups, such as Pakistani Americans, Korean Americans, and Mexican Americans, are given special attention; and whenever possible, the volume discusses writings by immigrant women. The chapters are written by expert contributors. Each chapter provides a thorough historical and critical overview and extensive primary and secondary bibliographies. Many of the contributors place immigrant literature within larger socio-cultural contexts, commenting on immigration policies, problems of language and translation, and work in new media, such as film and television.