Outlines of Greatness

In the author's own words, inherent in Italians has always been the obligation to work to support their families. They have always taken pride in their work, their art, and their love of life. From the very beginning, Italians made many contributions towards making America a great nation. They came to contribute, not to conquer.Actually, what astonishes the reader of these Outlines of great Italians in the old and new world, is the sheer scope of their endeavors. It's not widely known, for instance, that William Paca, one of the signatories of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was an American of Italian origin. The founder of the F.B.I. was an Italian-American named Bonaparte.Many of these names in art, industry, entertainment and sport roll easily off the tongue. Others, such as Vigo, Brumidi, di Cesnola, Fermi, Iacocca, and Sirica, are less familiar to us than say, Di Maggio or Sinatra. But for all Americans, of whatever background, they are the new Rispettati, and as such they merit our interest - and our respect