Key West: History of an Island of Dreams

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Summary: Riveting history
Review: A book on the history of Key West -- with all of its pirates, wreckers, rum runners and assorted scalawags -- should be lively, engaging and colorful. Maureen Ogle has accomplished just that with this readable and fascinating story. I say "story" because it reads that way, as a tale, not a dry recitation of events.

Dry? Hardly. You won't get through this book without your jaw dropping at some of the incidents related in its pages. Ogle's research is thorough with plenty of personal correspondence and colorful firsthand detail that really gives you a resident's eye view of this island.

I'm visiting Key West next year and I can't wait to go. Whether or not you've been there, this book makes for an excellent read. Highly recommended.

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Summary: Key West, History of an Island of Dreams
Review: An entertaining and comprehensive history of Key West, Florida. Maureen Ogle, an historian of note, has captured the essence and spirit of Key West in a fascinating and well-researched history of one of America's most intriguing places. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: Key West, History of an Island of Dreams
Review: An entertaining and comprehensive history of Key West, Florida. Maureen Ogle, an historian of note, has captured the essence and spirit of Key West in a fascinating and well-researched history of one of America's most intriguing places. A must read.

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Summary: Superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: History at its finest and most alluring--that's what you'll find when you read Maureen Ogle's, KEY WEST. This book is so well-written that for the first time in my life, I've decided to check out Hemingway-land for myself. I have a feeling I'm going to love it--almost as much as I loved this book! Did I mention the romance & mystery? It's there, along with some fantastic photos of balls and locals and tourists and all sorts of events from days gone-by. This is a really, really special book that will remain in my library forever.

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Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: I grew up in the Florida Keys, and this historical account has been my favorite so far! I could feel, smell and see Key West through the author's writings, which were peppered with personal stories of the people who lived there throughout history. Wonderful details were included that enhanced my knowledge of events I've always been curious about. Highly recommended!

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Summary: Any who relishes the region will want this lively history
Review: Key West has long been relished as a tropical paradise: this provides not just a travelogue of the region, but a history of Key West's many changes; from its Union seizure where citizens lived under martial law for four years, to its technical marvel of a vast overseas railroad which ran from mainland Florida to Key West. Any who relishes the region will want this lively history.

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Summary: A scholarly and superbly presented study
Review: Key West: History Of An Island Of Dreams by Maureen Ogle is a scholarly and superbly presented study of the Key West Island of Florida, ranging from the era its colonization, to the repercussions of World War II, and down to the modern day. Dramatic and fascinating, covering reader enticing details such as the tropical paradise's influence on Hemingway, the grand overseas railway built at the turn of the century to connect Key West to Florida, Key West's role in bringing revolution to Cuba, and so much more, Key West is an enthusiastically recommended addition to American History collections in general, and Florida History Studies reading lists in particular.

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Summary: makes history accessible and interesting...
Review: Ogle's use of imagery and language elevate this subject above and beyond your typical scholarly tome. Never dry or overly academic, the author's novelistic treatment makes the history of this magical island come alive. Highly recommended for history buffs, "Papa" devotees, and anyone else who appreciates a masterful blend of information and good old-fashioned storytelling. I eagerly await the author's soon-to-be-published book about beer!

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Summary: Anne Honeywood
Review: Written with grace and gentle humor, KEY WEST drew me in from the first page. This is not my usual choice for reading but since I'm planning a trip to Key West next year, I wanted to learn about the island's history. This book served it up in perfectly-size proportions, not too academic and yet not frivolous, with old maps and photos and a flowing, easy-to-read narrative that delighted me with splashes of humor when least expected.

In 1924, writer John Dos Passos said Key West was a 'delicious experience.'

I feel the same way about Ogle's lovely book and if the town fathers and mothers haven't given her a key to the city, I sure hope they've given her free lodging whenever she returns for a visit.