Florida: A Short History (Columbus Quincentenary S.) - Softcover

Gannon, Michael

3.79

188 ratings by Goodreads

9780813011684: Florida: A Short History (Columbus Quincentenary S.)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 081301168X ISBN 13: 9780813011684

Publisher: University Press of Florida, 1993

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This volume recounts the longest recorded history of any of the American states in 28 brisk chapters, all fully illustated. From indigenous tribes who lived along spring-fed streams to environmentalists who labour to "Save our Rivers" from the first conquistadors whose broad black ships astonished the natives to the 123,000 refugees whose unexpected immigration stunned South Floridians in 1980, the story of the state is as distinctive as the story of America. Gannon writes: "By the time the Pilgrims came ashore at Plymouth, St. Augustine was up for urban renewal. It was a town with fort, church, seminary, six-bed hospital, fish market and about 120 shops and houses. Because La Florida stretched north from the Keys to Newfoundland and west to Texas, St. Augustine could claim to be the capital of much of what is now the United States". Gannon tells his fast-marching saga in chronological fashion. Starting with the wilderness of the ancient earth, he fills the landscape with Indians, colonists, pioneers, entrepreneurs, politicians, and the 13,000,000 citizens who make up the panorama of Florida today. He concludes "A Short History" in 1992, ranging along "the broad superhighways that wind past horse farms, retirement communities, international airports, launch pads, futuristic attractions, and come to rest, finally, amidst the gleaming towers of Oz-like cities".

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Review:

"Gannon is a lifelong student of the history of his state, an acclaimed teacher, a masterful and tireless raconteur, and a superb stylist. Florida: A Short History showcases each of these strengths and talents and contains the latest archaeological and historical scholarship."

About the Author:

Michael Gannon is distinguished service professor emeritus of history at the University of Florida. Among other honors, he has received the first Arthur W. Thompson Prize from the Florida Historical Society and the decoration Knight Commander of the Order of Isabel la Catolica from King Juan Carlos I of Spain. He is the author of the best-selling Operation Drumbeat and editor of The New History of Florida.

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