This is a rigorously researched, documented, and wonderfully presented text. Although its title clearly states it is concerned with Ellis Island, for such a well-compiled text, one might hope to see any acknowledgement of Asian immigration and the less than hospitable Angel Island experience - no such luck. Other than that, there is not so much to dislike about Rowell's text. We read about a patrician American lawyer, handpicked by the Great Reformer Teddy Roosevelt, himself also from the lofty patrician caste; Williams, having never met the President, seemed qualified to bring about the kind of reform Roosevelt sought to bring to American government in general, and Williams did not disappoint. From insisting on well-manicured grounds and landscaping to ridding the ranks of the employed whose worst, most reliable habits were rooted in corruption, Williams brought about the kind of change The Big Stick Reformer could be proud of. Once his work was done, Williams returned to the life of someone descended from the originally important families of American history. Called upon a second time to serve his country, Williams decided to act on his most disappointing of impulses, sadly common to too many upper-crust Americans in their thinking about certain classes and ethnic groups. Rowell does an outstanding job making sure the read is well-acquainted with Williams' insidious efforts to allow only those deemed "fit" for entry to American shores. An excellent book which merits the time well-spent reading its text and browsing its images. ( )