Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo

by Timothy Bohen

Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo is a book about the Irish immigrant experience in Buffalo, NY. It includes fascinating men and women who have made a contribution to Western New York and the nation.

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa]

I spend a lot of time reading and yet it’s been a while since I have been truly immersed in a book until this one. In his introduction, the author suggests that the reader meanders through the book, reading about the people and subjects that most interest them. This experience was priceless. I completely lost track of time and am amazed at the people and accomplishments of the Buffalo Irish. Whether you are Irish, have Buffalo roots or your family immigrated from elsewhere to call America home, you will find the stories in this book fascinating. The original Buffalo Irish were about the poorest immigrants who came to America with a dream. Generations later, we are reading about their descendants and their accomplishments and it is truly astounding. I’m so glad I picked up this book!

[Timothy]

Using a series of vignettes the book attempts to encapsulate 200 years of Irish in Buffalo. Bohemian is to be applauded for this effort— which provides a series of sketches that others will build on.