"A major new history of Florida."-- Miami Herald "A jewel, a readable narrative of Florida's history."-- Tallahassee Democrat "As interesting as it is informative."-- Naples Daily News "Undoubtedly will become the standard reference on Florida."-- Orlando Sentinel "A welcome addition to the understanding of the Land of Flowers, from Spain to Spaceport and beyond."-- Pensacola News Journal "As much a state of mind as it is a slice of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico . Florida could become a place of civic texture if we understand its past. Professor Gannon's book is a good place to begin.

"-- St. Petersburg Times "Incorporates much of the new scholarship .  exploring the lives of African Americans, Indians, and Florida's common white folk. For those interested in seeking out the multifaceted aspects of their native or adopted state, this is the place to start."-- Tampa Tribune   Michael Gannon is a renowned scholar and writer known as "the dean of Florida historians." A versatile intellectual with a long, successful career at the University of Florida, he has authored and edited numerous acclaimed histories.