Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture.

Annelise Heinz's book, "Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture," explores the social significance of mahjong in early 20th-century United States. Heinz examines how the game's aesthetic appeal, social nature, and association with China influenced racially distinct communities in their perception of themselves as "playing American" and "modern." The book focuses on the role of mahjong in race-based community and identity-making for elite and middle-class white women. It also discusses the game's development, its production in China and marketing to American consumers, and its positive impact on marginalized communities such as Chinese, Japanese, and Jewish Americans. However, the book has been criticized for downplaying the experiences of marginalized groups and failing to fully address institutional and societal racism. Despite these criticisms, Heinz's use of a wide range of sources, including oral histories, provides a comprehensive understanding of mahjong's enduring appeal and its role in community-building efforts. [Extracted from the article]