NAMED ONE OF THE “100 NOTABLE BOOKS OF THE YEAR” BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW From the widely celebrated New York Times bestselling author of Last Call—this “rigorously historical” (The Washington Post) and timely account of how the rise of eugenics helped America keep out “inferiors” in the 1920s is “a sobering, valuable contribution to discussions about immigration” (Booklist). A forgotten, dark chapter of American history with implications for the current day, The Guarded Gate tells the story of the scientists who argued that certain nationalities were inherently inferior, providing the intellectual justification for the harshest immigration law in American history. Brandished by the upper class Bostonians and New Yorkers—many of them progressives—who led the anti-immigration movement, the eugenic arguments helped keep hundreds of thousands of Jews, Italians, and other unwanted groups out of the US for more than forty years. Over five years in the writing, The Guarded Gate tells the complete story from its beginning in 1895, when Henry Cabot Lodge and other Boston Brahmins launched their anti-immigrant campaign. In 1921, Vice President Calvin Coolidge declared that “biological laws” had proven the inferiority of southern and eastern Europeans; the restrictive law was enacted three years later. In his trademark lively and authoritative style, Okrent brings to life the rich cast of characters from this time, including Lodge’s closest friend, Theodore Roosevelt; Charles Darwin’s first cousin, Francis Galton, the idiosyncratic polymath who gave life to eugenics; the fabulously wealthy and profoundly bigoted Madison Grant, founder of the Bronx Zoo, and his best friend, H. Fairfield Osborn, director of the American Museum of Natural History; Margaret Sanger, who saw eugenics as a sensible adjunct to her birth control campaign; and Maxwell Perkins, the celebrated editor of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. A work of history relevant for today, The Guarded Gate is “a masterful, sobering, thoughtful, and necessary book” that painstakingly connects the American eugenicists to the rise of Nazism, and shows how their beliefs found fertile soil in the minds of citizens and leaders both here and abroad.
✔ Author(s): Daniel Okrent
✔ Title: The Guarded Gate: Bigotry, Eugenics, and the Law That Kept Two Generations of Jews, Italians, and Other European Immigrants Out of America
✔ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 base on (306 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1476798052
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about The Guarded Gate by Daniel Okrent
Naomi Bates
Discover the poignant story of a family navigating life's ups and downs in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and well-drawn characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of love, loss, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics.
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Follow the gripping tale of a detective unraveling a complex web of crime and corruption. The author's detailed writing and intricate plotting make for a suspenseful read. Each clue and revelation adds to the tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed, with motivations that feel real and compelling. The climax delivers a satisfying resolution to the mystery. A must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
Audrea Mahmood
Explore the complexities of human relationships in this beautifully crafted novel. The author's nuanced writing and rich character development make for an engaging read. Each storyline intertwines seamlessly, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. The emotional depth and realistic portrayal of life's challenges resonate deeply. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading. Perfect for fans of literary fiction.
