Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects

by Lonnie G. Bunch III (Foreword), Erika Lee (Foreword), Theodore S. Gonzalves (Editor)

A rich and compelling introduction to the history of Asian Pacific American communities as told through 101 objects, from a fortune cookie baking mold to the debut Ms. Marvel comic featuring Kamala Khan

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects invites readers to experience both well-known and untold stories through influential, controversial, and meaningful objects. Thematic chapters explore complex history and shared navigation, intersections, labor, innovation, belonging, tragedy, resistance and solidarity, community, service, memory, and joy.

The book features vibrant full-color illustrations of objects that embody and engage with Asian Pacific American issues, including the immigrant experience, the importance of media representation, what history gets officially documented vs. what does not, and so much more. Those objects


Asian Americans are the fastest growing group in the United States and include approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups, but their stories and experiences have often been sidelined or stereotyped. This spirited and beautifully illustrated book offers a vital window into the triumphs and tragedies, strength and ingenuity, and traditions and cultural identities of these communities. Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects is a crucial and celebratory read.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Asia, Asian American

264 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Dan Sibbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. High quality and an excellent level of research is evident, but I found no thematic ties in the book and too much wandering around. I love the Smithsonian, a real national treasure and available repository for all things bright and beautiful. So I wish I could offer more praise. Lonnie Bunch is the SI Director, and probably not the pen-to-paper author. Editor Theodore Gonzalves should get that credit. There were however, corners of real interest. The stories of the native Guam Chamorro people were excellent as were some implications of Pacific colonialism history. But as the book is based on SI artifacts there was in my view too much "gee wiz" and not enough "I never knew that".

[Selena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative and includes mixed race people like Isamu Noguchi. And while the introductory pages for the chapters had large text and was easy to read, several of the pages were not (seriously, black text on a blue or yellow background?).