The faces on Mount Rushmore, an American icon, were brought to life by the hands of an Italian immigrant. Luigi Del Bianco, a native of the northeastern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, was the “chief carver” and “granite expert” for the massive monument.
“Out of Rushmore’s Shadow” written by Luigi Del Bianco’s grandson, Lou Del Bianco, chronicles Luigi’s life and work, presents a behind-the-scenes look at the carving of Mount Rushmore and gives an account of the path Lou followed to have his grandfather recognized as the chief carver of Mount Rushmore.

When Lou was a child, he found a brochure about Mount Rushmore and learned that his grandfather had been the chief carver of the memorial. He gives a class presentation but cannot find a mention or picture of his grandfather in the brochure. Fifteen years later, “the most definite book on Mount Rushmore was published,” but Luigi is not mentioned. Luigi’s son Caesar is upset, Lou’s curiosity is “reawakened,” and together they vow “to find Luigi once and for all.”