Florida Books

My college degree, light years ago, was in Historic Archaeology, and I've been a Civil War enthusiast for 40 years. So, when I spotted this book, I just had to check it out. I wasn't disappointed and neither will you be. Archaeology in the Civil War field is relatively new, save for the traditional structures. All of that changed with the burning and subsequent excavations of the Custer Battlefield. Finally we are seeing more and more applications to various Civil War sites, although all too often it is salvage archaeology. In any event, this book will give you a glimpse into the science of historic archaeology without bogging you down and zoning you out with the technical aspects. The sites covered are varied and historically interesting. It is a fun read with ample photographs and charts. Of particular interest, for example, were the excavations at Andersonville that produced some spectacular results on locating and identifying the walls. Your next visit to a Civil War site will never be the same after you read this book and get a new perspective of what you are walking on. Buy and enjoy this book!

This is an absoulutely brilliant work and makes fascinating reading for any Civil War Buff, collector or digger. Very well written articles that belie any misaprehensions that this may be too technical a subject. I couldn't put it down. It exemplifies the belief that "every artifact has a story to tell." Highly recommended.

This is an excellent book for the anyone interested both archaeology and history. Many people do not know what a great deal of information can be gleaned from an archaeological analysis of historic sites. The authors look at several archaeological studies done on the Civil War, especially the battle of Antietam, and shed some new light on military strategies, the ebb and flow of battlefields, and the daily lives of soldiers and citizens. A must-read for any Civil War buff and anyone interested in seeing how archaeology can affect the historical record.

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As a survivor of encephalitis, I was delighted to sit down and read this book. I've never met another encephalitis survivor face to face... so, when reading Aunt Killer, I was fascinated to get to know Eva, the main character, who is struggling to comprehend what is happening to herself.
There were some places in the book.... some parts, which touched my heart, as I remembered having the exact same feelings about encephalitis. I felt myself nodding, and understanding, some of the feelings which the author expressed. Some moments, the main character was so 'normal.' And other moments, she just slipped away...
It's high time that someone included the topic of encephalitis within fiction. There are so many people in the world who think that they are alone. Who just curl up with sadness, and attempt to carry on as best they can. This book brings encephalitis out of the cupboard, dusts it off, and explores it in plain view.
Sincere thanks to the author of this book. She has taken a step which will lighten the load of many people, as she has magically woven the truth of encephalitis, around a fast paced story of suspense.

Aunt Killer uses vivid descriptions to enable the reader to visualize the characters and their emotional lives. Romance drifts through the book like a gentle breeze. Compassion and honest form a marriage that keeps the pages of the book turning. The chapters are short enough to be completed while waiting for an appointment. But,the anticipation and curiosity created in the story propelled me to read,"Just one More Chapter!" What would happen without short-term memory? That alone created suspense!

I have just finished reading "Aunt Killer" and I loved it! I am a survivor of encephalitis and I plan on giving a copy of this book to everyone I know. There is no way they won't begin to understand what I went through and continue to go through everyday of my life. Jeneva Johns and I did not have the same type of encephalitis but the end results are the same. I especially loved her telling about "forgetting the butter" but, I guess you'd have to be a survivor to understand that! Way to go, Jeneva!!!!

from the perspective of an ecologist interested in komodo monitors thsi book provides both interesting stories and a comprehensive scientific overview of the species. if you are interested in komodo monitors or you plan on doing research involving the lizards, auffenberg's book is the bible you need to read. auffenberg's study is especially good at

(1) describing the macro- and microhabitats of the komodo monitor
(2) habitat usage by monitors
(3) cataloguing the prey eaten by monitors and foraging patterns
(4) general behavior and communication between monitors
and (4) quantifying competition between monitors and other predators and cannibalism of young lizards by older adults.

auffenberg's study provides qualitative data that is ultimately not supported quantitatively on:

(1) reproductive behavior
(2) cognition and intelligence
(3) home range and migration/emigration patterns between populations
(4) habitat preference (as opposed to WHAT habitats they choose, WHY they choose each and WHICH do they prefer first)
(5) community ecology involving monitors

many of the issues with auffenberg's book are purely scientific in nature - while his study provides a solid foundation for hypothesis generation and future research, it does not give quantitative answers to many questions behavioral ecologists have. because it was the first major study done on komodo monitors, in fact one of the first major behavioral studies done on any lizard, many questions are unanswered or left unaddressed. auffenberg's later publications show an improvement in methodology (1988, 1991), but nevertheless "the behavioral ecology of the komodo monitor" is a priceless resource for any person conducting research on komodo monitors. any publication that deals with komodo monitors is sure to cite "auffenberg (1981)."

from a lay perspective, auffenberg's book is an enjoyable, if sometimes dry, read. auffenberg's passion for these animals shows through his scientific writing, which is clear and straightforward. auffenberg doesn't often use scientific jargon when compared to other scientists, but he still requires patience while reading (especially his sections on skull kinetics).

i personally love auffenberg's book because i feel that while presenting very ground-breaking, interesting, and still useful information on one of the most interesting organisms on the planet, he captures a psuedo-scientific charm about komodo monitors that can almost be described as cultural. his writing is aware of its shortcomings but at the same time captures a wordless quality about an organism so different that science can only begin to describe it. perhaps this is my bias as a scientist, but i found auffenberg's book very inspiring for both science and elsewhere.

if you are interested in learning more about komodo monitors you should look at "komodo dragons: biology and conservation," which is a smithstonian press publication. auffenberg's study was conducted during a period in ecolog that has been replaced more than once by developing trends in the field. while modern ecology certainly has its flaws, it is much more holistic and multidisciplinary. "komodo dragons" (2002) includes much more information on higher end cognition, metapopulation dynamics, and conservation biology. there are many different indonesian ecologists who conduct research on komodo monitors presently, but the majority of the modern publications accessible to nonindonesians are published by claudio ciofi and tim jessop.

This book is not a novel. It is a detailed description of almost all aspects of the Ora (the Komodo inhabitant's name for the Komodo monitor), not permitting the some anatomical details of the monitor. As the title implies, the Ora's behavior is magnified greatly. The book is a leading authority on the behavioral aspects of the book. Morphology, grow analysis, predator-prey coactions, and ecology information is also included and is very complete and well recorded (as is everything in the book). This is a must have for any person interested in this lizard, but is serious reading.

Perhaps biased by a fascination for really large lizards, I was enthralled by this book. Walter Auffenberg, wife, kids, and various others spent almost a year on Komodo Island in 1970 doing the first comprehensive study of Komodo Dragons. The depth is awesome, everything from detailed morphology to studies of prey species to inventories of flora. Mixed in with the tables and charts are wonderful accounts of sharing a photo blind with an 8-foot lizard looking for shade, and how to measure a Dragon's maximum speed (chase him with a motorcycle). Sixty dollars and well worth it

This book is without a doubt the only accurate account of the horrible murders in Gainesville, FL. Be in the mind of the killer; be in the mind of the detective tracking him. And know the truth, not the self-serving stories told by the killer and his paramour, not the summaries of newspaper accounts. This was a horrible event. The authors give us a driving, accurate narative. Couldn't put it down.

I've read all three books about the Gainesville Ripper, Danny Rolling - Beyond Murder, Killer on Campus and the Gainesville Ripper.

Beyond is the ultimate Rolling book and it blows the other two books clean out of the water.

It's clear, concise and it moves at a great pace.

The authors spent countless hours investigating the case, researching their information and interviewing not only Rolling, but the families & friends of the victims, the police agencies involved and anyone else they could think of that might have valuable information, making this a tight and accurate read.

Donnelly, a reporter, covered the Gainesville murders for the Miami Herald as the case was unraveling.

Philpin, a criminal profiler for numerous years, wrote a psychological profile early on in the case for the Miami Herald.

If you want to know everything there is to know about the Gainesville killings pick up this book. The other two I would only suggest reading if you can get them for free from your public library because even a nickle for a used copy is too much to pay for them.

I lived this story. After graduating from UF in 1992, I went overseas for 7 years, not knowing the entire happenings with the case. I knew some of the details of the case and that Rollings plead guilty, but I was unaware of the entire story. This book changed all of that.
Reading this book brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. This whole ordeal was so shocking, it is impossible to comprehend. Reliving the memories of fear was hard for me, but I needed closure.
"Beyond Murder" recounts the story of the victims and their families prior to and following the murders, the police force, the killer, and every aspect of the case. There are a few times during the read that I felt as though I was reading a police report when family members were quoted, which I am sure was the case. It took a little from the overall story, but not enough to change my 5 star rating.
Get this book, learn the importance of safety, and always remember Sonja, Christina, Christa, Tracy, and Manuel, five beautiful people taken away from this world by evil.

When preparing for a Disney Vacation, the Internet can be useful but you really need to buy this book and TAKE this book.

Although the coupons are of questionable value, the information is clear, well-presented, and well organized. Just avoiding the busy times made life so much better.

It was so very helpful when we got caught in rain (we went to Epcot- GOOD ADVICE)

It was just as good when the rain began the next day (went to Disney Quest - GREAT ADVICE)

Between this and http://allearsnet.com we saved a bunch of money, got the right resort, and had a ton of fun.

Great book - don't leave home without it.

I love, love, love it! Did I say I love it???

This is a great book for those going to WDW without kids. It gives great info without all the "kid-friendly" stuff that we don't need. It might even be a good book for parents who plan on spending some time away form their older kids at WDW.

It's mostly a sized-down, more focused version of the Official Guide by Birnbaum, but definitely worth the money.

The pictures alone are worth the price. I love it!!!

This is the best guide book I've found, bar none. Not only is it informative but with the pictures, maps and helpful tips it is interesting and insightful. I've used it for two previous trips (one all-girls week and one with my husband) and can only say carry it with you at all times. It's well organized for quick-reference and helps when you have an unexpected change of plans--like those mid-summer afternoon showers that tend to pop up in Florida.

Kenneth Wiggins Porter apparently died before he finished the manuscript for this one and so it fell to others (Alcione M. Amos and Thomas P. Senter) to edit and update this book. It's hard to sort out the contributions of each but the result is a well documented narrative of the Black Seminole from the early days in Florida to the early part of the twentieth century. Built mainly around the rise and life of the still little known Western hero, John Horse, a man of mixed blood (his father seems to have been a Seminole tribesman, perhaps of mixed blood himself) and an African mother who was an escaped slave in pre-Civil War America, it details the formation and development of a unique tribal people in America's history.

Indeed, the evidence suggests that thousands of Africans fled the chattel bondage of South Carolina, Georgia and, later, the states of Alabama and Florida in the 18th and early nineteenth centuries, forming communities that existed under the protection of the Florida Indians (themselves exiles from internecine conflict in Georgia and Alabama within the Creek nation or from white Americans who set out to suppress them under Andrew Jackson). The exiled Muscogulge peoples (the proper name for the Creek as suggested by J. Leitch Wright Jr. in his own well documented work "Creeks and Seminoles", University of Nebraska Press) initially kept slaves, a practice learned from the whites, but did not have the economy to use them as the whites did. And so Seminole slavery evolved in a very different fashion. While purchasing or receiving some slaves as gifts from whites, the Seminole treated them as status symbols and pretty much let these people operate independently. Gradually, escaped slaves joined the Indian communities and built up their own communities under the influence and protection of the Seminole chiefs. They were seen more as vassals than slaves by the Indians who left them to their own devices and basically expected them to hunt and raise their own crops to feed themselves, only remitting an annual portion in tribute to the tribal chief.

Free to come and go as they pleased, the blacks developed their own eclectic tribal culture, partly in emulation of the Seminole and partly reflecting the lives they had lived in bondage to the whites. Into this world John Horse was born around 1812. He was still a boy when Andrew Jackson violated international boundaries and Spanish sovereignty in Florida to carry his war against the defeated Creek Red Sticks in Alabama into Florida. Driven by a fear of the free and growing black communities under Seminole auspices, Jackson and other whites sought to wipe these people out. They had other goals, too, including forcing Spain to accept American expansion into East and West Florida and pushing the Creek Indian renegades (the Seminole) out.

John Horse seems to have been a child on the Suwannee River in northern Florida when Jackson appeared and burned the black and Indian villages. Later John appears on Florida's western coast around Tampa Bay at around 14 years of age where he is documented as trying to cheat the local army commander over some turtles. From these creatures, called gophers by the locals, he took his lifelong nickname, Gopher John. The story of the Black Seminole follows John's career as he came to the fore in the second year of the Second Seminole War (which lasted for seven years), becoming an important sub-chief and leader of the Seminole-affiliated blacks.

Taking part in many of the major battles, he is first documented in a fight at Okeechobee though he may have been present earlier at Dade's Massacre, the Battle of the Withlacoochee, of Camp Izard and of the Great Wahoo Swamp. In the fighting, the American military soon realized that the black fighters, though fewer, were fiercer antagonists in many ways than the Seminole warriors, no doubt because they had more to lose. While the whites were mainly interested in driving out the Indians, relocating them to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi, they were keen to use the war with the Seminole as a pretext to capture blacks for re-enslavement since the new republic had banned importation of new slaves from abroad.

John Horse honed his tracking and fighting skills in that war but was finally convinced of the futility of the effort and was among those blacks who decided to take a chance on the promises of then U.S. Army general in charge, Thomas S. Jesup, that blacks who freely surrendered would not be re-enslaved but sent with the Seminole to the West. Unfortunately Jesup, whatever his original intentions, soon came under pressure by the white population of Florida to allow re-enslavement of many of the blacks. When this became known, John Horse and various Seminole leaders raided and freed some 700 Indians and blacks who had voluntarily surrendered and were awaiting transfer to the West near Fort Brooke in Tampa.

Jesup seems never to have gotten over this loss and repeatedly thereafter used trickery and deceit to capture and imprison the Indian leaders though he continued to hold out the promise of freedom to their black allies in order to wean this group away. John was one of the few remaining black leaders by 1837 (the war had begun in 1835) still free and actively resisting and was finally persuaded to accept Jesup's terms. Thereafter he was sent, with others, to Indian Territory in what is today Oklahoma. There the Seminole blacks found they had new problems for the Creek were already there and the Creek wanted to reassert control over the Seminole who had originally been part of their polity. But the Creek had adopted the institution of chattel slavery from the whites and insisted that the blacks with the Seminole had to be re-enslaved.

John Horse spent some time back in Florida working as a scout for the Army there against his old allies and eventually was instrumental in convincing many of them to come in and accept deportation, too. But when John was ultimately obliged to return to Indian Territory in the West, he found a situation that was untenable for the blacks. John, who was half Seminole himself and had papers freeing him issued by the U.S. Army leader he served, General Worth, as well as freedom from the Seminole tribal council, could have stayed on without fear while the other blacks were forced back into slavery. But he refused to do so and advocated strongly to see that Jesup's decree was fulfilled by the American government. Jesup, to his credit, did the same. But the slave interests in the region, including planters and slavers in nearby Arkansas, would not abide a community of free blacks so close by. More, many of them coveted title to the Seminole blacks.

When the U.S. government refused to sustain Jesup's decree and, instead, decided to force the black Seminole back into servitude, John found an ingenious way to save many of his people. Allying with the Seminole chief Wildcat, an old ally from the Florida war, he took a contingent of blacks and Indians in a dash across Texas to freedom in Mexico. Pursued by Creek warriors determined to re-enslave them, Arkansas slavers, and hounded by Texas Rangers who supported the slavers, attacked by Commanche intent on preventing their crossing the Rio Grande to take up arms in defense of Mexico's borders, John's and Wildcat's combined people managed a successful exodus, crossing the Rio Grande in the dead of night on make shift rafts -- just ahead of the Texas Rangers.

In Mexico John Horse and Wildcat proved a daunting team though Wildcat died early on in a smallpox epidemic and John became the revered leader of the "Mascogos" (as the Mexicans called the black Seminole). Through a tumultuous career, he led and defended his people. This book tells that story as it closely follows the battles and struggles of this forgotten American hero, John Horse, a man who risked his own life and freedom many times to defend the lives and freedom of others.

SWM
author of The King of Vinland's Saga
and A Raft on the River

As a descendant of Florida's Apalachicola Indians removed to Texas in 1834, I know the Black Seminole as my kin. Porter's narrative parallels our oral tradition and enhances it with photos and maps. Facts presented are well researched and documented with scholarly precision. Historic accuracy is near flawless. Language of the text is readable and the style captivating. No dry history here! Porter brings this forgotten segment of Florida's mixed blood Seminoles to life in seventeen easy chapters. Like a piece of tender, seasoned vinson, it leaves the reader filled but wanting more. No worse injustice could be done to Professor Porter that compare The Black Seminoles to another text. The power of the Porter pen has no peer. Without reservation, Porter's text is a unique gift to all of us. sixwomen@nettally.com

This is a classic. Every serious historian of African Americans needs to have this book. I am a descendant of these people and much of what is in the book confirmed what I have been told since I was a boy. Thanks to those tireless warriors who coompleted this work for without them, it would have remained hidden away.

This account of a people dedicated to freedom is a must read.

This book has to be the best summary of politics, drug running, the offshore powerboat industry, the Mafia, crime, corruption and intrigue that I have ever read!! Aronow was an old friend of my family's in New Jersey and when he got murdered we all waited for the book to come out, sure enough it did and was excellent. If you love the mob, fast boats, fast cars, fast horses and beautiful women, BLUE THUNDER is a MUST READ!! Enjoy . . . . . H.L., Florida

If you have an interest in offshore racing, take the time and read this compelling book about the father of the the industry. Ever heard of Thunderboat row? Find out the impact he had on some of the largest manufacturers in the country, and their attempts to to keep him out of the boat building business. You will learn about the rise and murder of Don Aronow and how state law enforcement of Florida(at the time led by the infamous Janet Reno) either bungled the investigation, or for whatever reason, let his death go unsolved. You will learn of the allegation that Don Aronow had ties to the mob, South American drug smugglers, and to the DEA. At the end you can surmise what you will of what his life was about, but you can't take away what he meant to the sport of offshore racing. Read it and pay homage.

I have really enjoyed this book. I like true stories, and am especially interested in speed boat racing, and stories about how the Mafia infiltrates businesses, and eventually takes them over! It certainly is an interesting read.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views

Although Hart's cookbook incorporates Central Florida's regional foods, I found that I am able to get the majority of the ingredients in Texas - even Key Limes. I only found one item, Wood Duck, that is solely regional, but Hart gives the option to substitute Quail or Cornish Hen.

Perusing "The Bounty of Central Florida" my attention was drawn to Key Lime Cheesecake. It is rich, but light, and full of flavor. The Pecan Crust makes an ideal base for this cheesecake. The Best Flaky Pie Crust is short and browns well, however, makes a larger batch than indicated. For brunch, the Low Fat Blueberry Coffee Cake is ideal and goes well with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The Chiffon Cake took be me back to my childhood when my mother made one for every Sunday. Rich and creamy is the Hollandaise Sauce and very easy because it's made in a blender giving it a guaranteed smooth texture.

"The Bounty of Central Florida" has easy step-by-step directions to follow and majority of the ingredients can be found in most kitchens. The pages are glossy and easy to wipe and the center has wonderful colored photos of many of the dishes. "The Bounty of Central Florida" is a must for anyone who enjoys simple cooking with an elegant flare.

The Bounty Of Central Florida by central Florida resident and kitchen cook Valerie Hart showcases almost 300 regional recipes highlighting the bounty that would grace any table and make any dining occasion a special event. From Muscadine Jam with Marsala; Jalapeno Corn Bread; Apple-Cranberry-Pecan Bread; and Crab Filled Artichokes; to Baked Wood Duck with Tangelos and Bananas; Fried Turkey Breast Blackman; Chet Blackman's Bodacious Barbecued Venison; and Beer Battered Fried Catfish, The Bounty Of Central Florida is a completely "kitchen friendly" compendium of wonderful recipes showing off the best of what central Florida has to offer the rest of the country.

Some of the world's best cooks live in Florida and as someone who has sampled delicious recipes at the homes of Southern women, I must say they have taught me a great deal about cooking. Valerie Hart's Cookbooks are a warm reminder of the time I spent in Florida and in her new cookbook, she also includes tempting pictures.

Her first cookbook, "The New Tradition Cookbook" is a true culinary classic and in this book the pictures reveal the sophistication and elegance in table settings and gourmet presentation. The picture of an entire table of deserts made with care made me feel a little nostalgic. Strawberry Pie, Chocolate Angel Food Cake and Citrus Sunshine Cake would be perfect to make for a Summer Tea Party.

The Bounty of Central Florida is not only unique because it is written by Valerie Hart, Food Writer and Restaurant Critic, it is unique in the way it is organized. The recipes are organized by favorite foods. Chapters include recipes for Bananas, Berries, Grapes, Kumquats, Citrus, Corn, Mushrooms, Pecans, Fish, Crab, Shrimp, Duck, Quail, Shrimp, Turkey, Venison and yes, Alligator Tail.

Delicious Recipes Include:

Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding
Berry Trifle
Strawberry Cassis Jam
Muscadine Jam with Marsala
Kumquat Chutney
Lemon Curd
Key Lime Pie and Key Lime Cheesecake
Corn and Shrimp Chowder
Portobello Bruschetta
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Crab and Shrimp in Filo
Shrimp Kebab
Duck in Thyme
Game Hen with Tarragon
Alligator with Shallots and Thyme
Venison Ragoût

Sophisticated and often dreamily gourmet, these recipes all have the comfort of home with the feeling of having discovered a cooking treasure! Finally, a recipe for Plum Pudding! There is also an easy recipe for Ganache Frosting and a delicious recipe for Beer Battered Fried Catfish.

~The Rebecca Review

Butterflies through Binoculars: A Field, Finding, and Gardening Guide to Butterflies in Florida (Butterflies and Others Through Binoculars Field Guide Series,) This is an excellent reference book for butterfly lovers in the State of Florida. I take it with me on my butterfly field trips and when I sit in my yard to observe them. The book has excellent photos, detailed information for each species, and the habitat locations. It's an easy book to carry and pack.

This is one of the best presented field guides I have ever seen. Each and every species of Florida butterfly is pictured and described. Most butterfly guides I've seen use pictures of preserved specimens in a collection. This can be confusing because parts of the wings normally hidden are exposed when the collected specimen is mounted. This book avoids this problem by using only pictures taken in the wild (except for a few rare species). No more unnatural poses!

The text is easily readable without extensive knowledge of obscure scientific words and has enough humor to keep it from getting dry and technical, but not so much that it overpowers the book.

This book deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in Florida butterflies.

If you are looking for a filed guide to the butterflies of the northeastern United States, this is THE book to get. Written for a relatively small geographical area, the book contains only those butterflies likely to be seen in the regioon...unlike other guidebooks which offer many photos of butterflies not native to the regioon you are in. Excellent photos and the reduced subject area result in quick identifications. Although written for the northeast, the book is useful over a wider range...I have even used it in Texas to great effect. Don't put too much stock in the information about flight period and abundance, though. And don't expect much info on larval hostplants, etc

At long last a book that gets to the nitty gritty of buying property in Florida without blinding you with complex legal jargon.

The Authors experience shines through, lots of invaluable money saving tips, and warnings on where people have got in wrong - committing much more than they needed to and ending up in the wrong location.

A must buy read if you are considering buying property in Florida and want to avoid making mistakes.

This is a no punches barred guide to home purchase in Florida. It tells it as it is warts an all! Any one of the host of tips could save you a lot of money. I'm just so glad I bought this first.

I found this book to contain a LOT of useful information and tips. It really helps when a book is written by somebody who has experienced the same issues and fears that the reader is experiencing or will experience.

Definitely value for money - just one tip from the whole book can end up saving thousands of dollars.

Five stars.