Get full access to The Daily Beast for $1

SUBSCRIBE

James R. Barrett

James R. Barrett is a professor of history and African American studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is the author of William Z. Foster and the Tragedy of American Radicalism and the new book The Irish Way: Becoming American in the Multiethnic City (Penguin).

articles/2012/03/16/james-barrett-on-the-irish-way-how-the-irish-influenced-u-s-cities/irish-way-of-life-barrett_j3crfx

How America Became Irish

<p>Ireland’s immigrants have had the biggest influence on U.S. city life. James R. Barrett, author of the new book <em>The Irish Way</em>, on how one ethnic group defined the urban experience.</p>

James R. Barrett

ADVERTISEMENT

GET THE APP
Subscribe
Log In
Newsletters
Podcasts
AboutContactTipsJobsAdvertiseHelpCode of Ethics & StandardsInclusionTerms & ConditionsCopyright & TrademarkPrivacy

© 2026 The Daily Beast Company LLC