Telling a story in pictures is Little Italy, the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing's popular Images of America series. The book by local author Chris Dorer is set to release on August 17, 2015. The book boasts 200 vintage images, many of which have never been published, and showcases memories of days gone by.

Originally called Alta Villa (the "high place"), Little Italy was settled in 1915 by a group of northern Italian immigrants who came to Arkansas looking for an opportunity to achieve the American dream. Though smaller than other Italian colonies in the state, like Tontitown or Lake Village, Little Italy's centralized location and skilled winemakers created the perfect atmosphere for a Prohibition-era oasis where central Arkansans could purchase clean, safe alcohol at a time when thousands throughout the nation had died because of poisonous, alcoholic brews.

Recognizing the value of this operation, regional politicians allowed the residents of Little Italy to continue producing wine and cognac, thus establishing the community as a regional curiosity and a popular weekend travel destination.

Highlights of Little Italy include:

- A majority of these images were donated from private collections of the area's founding families.
- Numerous pieces of vintage ephemera were used including original land receipts, advertisements, and product labels throughout this book.
- The images and captions within the publication connect Little Italy to its surrounding areas including Little Rock and Perry County by highlighting businesses, celebrations, and sporting events.

Friends of Little Italy may order directly from the author via email at [email protected] for a 30% discount off of the retail price of $21.99. Copies will also be available for sale at area booksellers such as Barnes & Nobles, online retailers such as Amazon, or directly from Arcadia Publishing by calling (888)-313-2665 or online.

Chris Dorer compiled this book in recognition of Little Italy's 100th anniversary as a community. Its images offer a glimpse at everyday life in the early-20th century.

About the Author of Images of America: Little Italy

Chris Dorer, 33, is a native of Little Italy, where he still resides with his wife Samantha and their daughter Allison. His childhood was spent among the aging Italian settlers of the area from whom he gained a deep appreciation of the area's culture and history. His passion for history began at an early age and the melding of those interests led to Dorer's first book: Boy, The Stories I Could Tell... A Narrative History of the Italians of Little Italy, Arkansas, in 2002, and numerous journal articles.

Dorer holds a Masters Degree in History Education from the University of Central Arkansas and is the History Department Chair at historic Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition to his writing, Dorer has lectured on the area's history—most notably for the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas's Fall Ramble in 2013.

He is actively involved in his community where he chairs the Little Italy Centennial Committee, serves as chairman for the 88th annual St. Francis Bazaar, and co-chaired an effort to incorporate Little Italy as a municipality.

What lasting impact do you hope your book will leave?

I hope that this book will allow for the story of Little Italy to live on for younger generations. I grew up surrounded by the children of the original immigrants to Little Italy and I heard first-hand accounts of the trials and tribulations they faced in their youth. Now, sadly, those individuals have passed away. It is my fervent hope that this compilation of images will provide faces to names and stories that continue to be passed down in Little Italy's oral traditions. I hope its impact is felt in families, the community, and in the wider-area as its stories come to life through images. These images are proof that this little place existed and that its cultural and historical impact will affect Arkansas's history for generations to come.