Scope and arrangement
The Arthur Bonner papers consist of transcripts and facsimile images of original material used to write his book Alas! What brought thee hither?: The Chinese in New York, 1800-1950. The transcripts are drawn primarily from microfilms and newspapers. At times, the texts are paraphrased. If no source a transcription is indicated, it was taken from The New York Times; otherwise Bonner listed the publication information. The volumes are arranged by date or in some instances by subject. Articles all pertain to Chinatown or the question of Chinese immigration, and include police reports, obituaries, and human interest pieces dating from 1808 to 1949. The facsimile images consist of over 200 clear reproductions of illustrations, engravings, and political cartoons covering both sides of Chinese immigration issues. Images range from printed advertisements announcing P.T. Barnum's "living Chinese family" exhibit, to racist political images of Chinese immigrants as well as cartoons depicting lady liberty protecting the Chinese from persecution. Some reproductions of articles, menus, and photographs are also included in the material. While Bonner arranged some of the facsimiles by subject, there are also three files of general material which should be consulted as there is material related to all subjects in the general files.
Arrangement
Alphabetical by subject.