📖 Overview
Roger Daniels (1927-2023) was an American historian and professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati, recognized as one of the leading scholars on Asian American history and the Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
His most influential works include "Concentration Camps, North America: Japanese in the United States and Canada During World War II" (1981) and "Prisoners Without Trial: Japanese Americans in World War II" (1993). Daniels also served as a consultant to the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians in the 1980s.
Beyond his work on Japanese American history, Daniels made significant contributions to immigration historiography through books such as "Coming to America: A History of Immigration and Ethnicity in American Life" (1990) and "Guarding the Golden Door: American Immigration Policy and Immigrants Since 1882" (2004). His research and publications helped establish Asian American studies as a distinct academic field.
The historian's work consistently emphasized the importance of understanding immigration policy and its effects on different ethnic groups throughout American history. Daniels received numerous awards for his scholarship, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Organization of American Historians.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Daniels' detailed research and clear presentation of complex immigration history topics. On Goodreads, his books consistently receive 3.8-4.2 out of 5 stars, with readers noting his thorough documentation and use of primary sources.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of immigration policies and their impacts
- Extensive use of historical documents and statistics
- Balanced coverage of controversial topics
- Accessible writing style for academic subjects
What readers disliked:
- Dense academic prose in some sections
- Limited personal narratives and first-hand accounts
- Some readers found certain works too focused on policy details
Amazon ratings average 4.3/5 across his books. "Coming to America" (4.5/5) receives particular praise for its comprehensive overview. One reader noted: "Daniels presents complex immigration history without oversimplification." "Prisoners Without Trial" (4.2/5) draws positive reviews for its concise treatment of Japanese American incarceration, though some readers wanted more personal stories.
Goodreads ratings:
Coming to America: 3.9/5 (412 ratings)
Prisoners Without Trial: 3.8/5 (289 ratings)
Guarding the Golden Door: 4.0/5 (156 ratings)
📚 Books by Roger Daniels
Coming to America: A History of Immigration and Ethnicity in American Life (1990)
A comprehensive examination of immigration to the United States from colonial times to the late 20th century.
Asian America: Chinese and Japanese in the United States since 1850 (1988) Chronicles the experiences of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in America, including their communities, discrimination, and contributions to American society.
Prisoners Without Trial: Japanese Americans in World War II (1993) Documents the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, including the legal, social, and political aspects of their incarceration.
The Politics of Prejudice: The Anti-Japanese Movement in California and the Struggle for Japanese Exclusion (1962) Analyzes the development of anti-Japanese sentiment in California and the political movement that led to Japanese exclusion.
Concentration Camps, North America: Japanese in the United States and Canada During World War II (1981) Compares and contrasts the treatment of Japanese populations in the United States and Canada during World War II.
Guarding the Golden Door: American Immigration Policy and Immigrants Since 1882 (2004) Details the evolution of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on different immigrant groups from the Chinese Exclusion Act onward.
Not Like Us: Immigrants and Minorities in America, 1890-1924 (1997) Examines immigration during the Progressive Era and the various responses of American society to newcomers.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The War Years, 1939-1945 (2016) Focuses on Roosevelt's presidency during World War II and his handling of domestic and international challenges.
Asian America: Chinese and Japanese in the United States since 1850 (1988) Chronicles the experiences of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in America, including their communities, discrimination, and contributions to American society.
Prisoners Without Trial: Japanese Americans in World War II (1993) Documents the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, including the legal, social, and political aspects of their incarceration.
The Politics of Prejudice: The Anti-Japanese Movement in California and the Struggle for Japanese Exclusion (1962) Analyzes the development of anti-Japanese sentiment in California and the political movement that led to Japanese exclusion.
Concentration Camps, North America: Japanese in the United States and Canada During World War II (1981) Compares and contrasts the treatment of Japanese populations in the United States and Canada during World War II.
Guarding the Golden Door: American Immigration Policy and Immigrants Since 1882 (2004) Details the evolution of U.S. immigration policies and their impact on different immigrant groups from the Chinese Exclusion Act onward.
Not Like Us: Immigrants and Minorities in America, 1890-1924 (1997) Examines immigration during the Progressive Era and the various responses of American society to newcomers.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The War Years, 1939-1945 (2016) Focuses on Roosevelt's presidency during World War II and his handling of domestic and international challenges.
👥 Similar authors
Ronald Takaki writes about Asian American history and immigration with a focus on labor, discrimination, and social movements. His work covers similar territory to Daniels' research on Japanese American internment and Asian exclusion policies.
Mae Ngai focuses on immigration law, illegal immigration, and citizenship in 20th century America. Her analysis of immigration restriction and national origins quotas aligns with Daniels' work on immigration policy.
John Higham examines nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment in American history. His research on ethnic and racial prejudice complements Daniels' studies of discrimination against Asian immigrants.
David Roediger investigates race, class, and immigration in American labor history. His work on whiteness and ethnic identity intersects with Daniels' exploration of immigrant assimilation and racial formation.
Sucheng Chan specializes in Asian American history with emphasis on Chinese immigration and West Coast settlement patterns. Her scholarship on Asian American communities parallels Daniels' focus on Japanese American experiences.
Mae Ngai focuses on immigration law, illegal immigration, and citizenship in 20th century America. Her analysis of immigration restriction and national origins quotas aligns with Daniels' work on immigration policy.
John Higham examines nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment in American history. His research on ethnic and racial prejudice complements Daniels' studies of discrimination against Asian immigrants.
David Roediger investigates race, class, and immigration in American labor history. His work on whiteness and ethnic identity intersects with Daniels' exploration of immigrant assimilation and racial formation.
Sucheng Chan specializes in Asian American history with emphasis on Chinese immigration and West Coast settlement patterns. Her scholarship on Asian American communities parallels Daniels' focus on Japanese American experiences.