"In Mordecai: An Early American Family, Emily Bingham brings to life a compelling family whose struggles illuminate the first century of the American Republic. From the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond, this 'little faithful band of love and duty' balanced their devotion to each other, their Jewish faith, and their identity as Southerners through periods of intellectual, political, and economic turmoil. Drawing on published writings and thousands of letters by the men and women of this articulate family, Emily Bingham tells a vivid and fascinating story. The Mordecais take their place as one of the great American families in this lively, compassionate, and probing group portrait."—Joy Kasson, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"Vivid, enjoyable, and well-written."—Kevin Baker, The New York Times Book Review

"Ambitious . . . Both an introductory survey of immigration policy and a masterful assessment of the state of the field by one of its founders . . . [Daniels] provides a much-needed perspective on both the continuities and changes in the United States' efforts to regulate immigration . . . Guarding the Golden Door is rich with details, statistics, and the author's own unique viewpoint. The book is exemplary."—Erika Lee, Reviews in American History