Back in July in Palazzo Pancrazi here in Barga, the book “La via della Scozia” by Nicoletta Franchi was first presented to the public (article here)
The book had as it’s central subject matter the emigration of Barghigiana and Lucchese to Glasgow, Scotland during the late 1800′s onwards.
Last week, Nicoletta Franchi visited Glasgow to launch her new book this time in Scotland.
The event took place at the Eyre Hall of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and was introduced by Dr Terri Colpi, author of The Italian Factor and Italians Forward, who gave the audience a captivating overview of the Italian immigration to Great Britain in general and Scotland in particular.
This remarkable book tells a fascinating story with detailed insight and previously undiscovered sources. It has been acclaimed as the most complete work ever produced on immigration from Barga to Glasgow and is written in an objective and academic way.
The quality of Franchi’s work attracted many Scots-Italians and a number of well known personalities including Archbishop Mario Conti, Leandro Franchi the honorary consul, screenwriter Sergio Casci, Adriano De Marco president of the COMITES, Professor Eileen Millar of University of Glasgow, Andrew Wilkin of University of Strathclyde and Carlo Pirozzi of University of Edinburgh.
The mayor of Barga (Marco Bonini), who was unable to participate, sent his greetings on behalf of the Community and described the book as an important contribution to the emigration history of Barga.
The pleasant evening even included songs by the popular tenor Martin Aelred and was coordinated by Director of Communication for the Archdiocese of Glasgow and founder and editor of the
www.ItalianScotland.com website Ronnie Convery.
The event was sponsored by Fratelli Sarti and the Fondazione Paolo Cresci
.
To find out if your family’s story has been touched upon click index La via della Scozia for a full list of names.
The book, edited by Fondazione Paolo Cresci, can be purchased by contacting info@fondazionepaolocresci.it.
As you can hear in the short interview below (in English), their way in the world was not all easy at the start.