Key West: History of an Island of Dreams (ISBN 0813029937)

Book Description:
"An extremely vivid and captivating history of Key West."—Florida Today "Ogle's thorough research combined with her wry perspective make this book a fascinating read."—Tallahassee Democrat "Anyone who wants to know more about Key West than what appears in the typical guidebook will enjoy this spirited account."—Chicago Tribune Parrotheads, Hemingway aficionados, and sun worshipers view Key West as a tropical paradise, and scores of writers have set tales of mystery and romance on the island. The city's real story—told by Maureen Ogle in this lively and engaging illustrated account—is as fabulous as fiction. In the two centuries since the city's pioneer founders battled Indians, pirates, and deadly disease, Key West has stood at the crossroads of American history. In 1861, Union troops seized control of strategically located Key West. In the early 1890s, Key West Cubans helped José Martí launch the Cuban revolution, and a few years later the battleship Maine steamed out of Key West harbor on its last, tragic voyage. At the turn of the century, a technological marvel—the overseas railroad—was built to connect mainland Florida to Key West, and in the 1920s and 1930s, painters, rumrunners, and writers (including Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost) discovered Key West. During World War II, the federal government and the military war machine permanently altered the island's landscape, and in the second half of the 20th century, bohemians, hippies, gays, and jet-setters began writing a new chapter in Key West's social history.

Couldn't put it down!:
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!

Riveting history:
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.

A must read for Key West fans:
If you watch the Key West sunset on the webcam daily, or dream of a life in the Keys, then this book is for you...

Great book on the history of Key West . . .:
. . . but it is not a quick read. If you are interested in something other than partying on Duval Street, then when you encounter snippets of the past (perhaps at a museum or Dry Tortugas), it will be for the second time.

Best Source for Understanding:
Maureen Ogle's history of Key West is the best single source for understanding this bizarre and remarkable place. Key West is the product of piracy, salvaging, the Civil War, fishing, sponging, turtling, cigar making, shrimping, military involvement, and tourism -- all this the result of Key West's unique position on a coral reef, adjacent to the Gulf Stream, 90 miles from Cuba, 120 miles off the US coast. Ogle weaves together all the disparate influences of dreamers and planners, run-aways and con men, sailors and politicians who still shape history here on a daily basis. The best way to enjoy Key West is through frequent visits and a reading, and re-reading, of this most helpful book. Marsh Muirhead, author of Key West Explained - a guide for the traveler