Description
Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1909, the gruesome murder of nineteen-year-old Elsie Sigel sent shock waves through New York City and the nation at large. Through the lens of this unsolved murder, this work offers a snapshot of social and sexual relations between Chinese and non-Chinese populations in turn-of-the-century New York City.
Trade ReviewWinner of the 2005 History Award, The Association for Asian American Studies "Lui has created a solid historical narrative through her combined use of empirical data and Chinese-language sources... [Her] work deserves to be recognized as an important contribution to American history."--Krystyn Moon, American Historical Review "This is an outstandingly well researched and elegantly executed book, rich in detail, theoretical insight, and contemporary illustration drawn from the archives, and at times great fun... [I]t sets a new high standard for writing about the Asian American experience."--Gregor Benton, Ethnic and Racial Studies "[A] magnificent social history... [T]he book's graceful style, along with its vivid, engaging narratives and insightful analyses, is certain to be appreciated and enjoyed beyond the scholarly community."--Renqiu Yu, Journal of American History "Mary Ting Yi Lui's book, The Chinatown Trunk Mystery, is the perfect blend of a thrilling mystery bestseller and a detailed cultural history."--Shilpa Dave, Journal of Asian American Studies "Lui, in this provocative and compelling study, demonstrates how America's racial and gender formations were mapped onto the dynamic and urban landscape of New York's Chinatown. This book is highly recommended."--Karen J. Leong, The Historian
