Customer Reviews

Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers (Florida History and Culture)

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This book is a fascinating study of fishing, hunting, and working in the Florida Everglades. Most of the activities that are described are set in the 1930s. Most of the book consists of stories and descriptions of live from Glen Simmons, a boat builder who has lived in the Everglades region all his life. The stories are intriguing accounts of the everyday events and the extraordinary happenings that form the stuff of history. Readers of this book will find interesting encounters with a colorful cast of characters, learn about Florida wildlife, and discover how a unique style of boat is built. This book is annotated with well-written introductions by Laura Ogden and illustrated with a wide variety of period photographs that make the rich descriptions even more vivid.

it is with great honor that i speak of this book that was wrote by my friend, who lived all his life in the glades. his grandfather was ducan brady the founder of flamingo and his parents were the keepers at waddell grove on cape sable. this book is testimony to the hardships that our pioneer familys endured in a land all but gone.hell westerneralvin in naples

I highly recommend this interesting book. The details about Florida history are fascinating as Ogden presents some terrific stories told by Simmons. There is rich information about alligator hunting, bootlegging, and boat building. I am especially interested in Simmons' boats as the type of skiff that he makes is characteristic, if not unique, to the 'glades.
This portrait of Florida is vivid and harsh, and the book provides a richer, more nuanced, view of the state than most imagine.

This book is a fascinating description of life in times in the Glades, Florida Pioneers and a life forgotten. It will move you, awe you, intrigue you and you will come away with a sense of admiration for the people of the Everglades whether white or black or Indian. It was not an easy life but it was a life full of wildness and freedom. This book provides a rare glimpse into the past and the Florida of yesterday. Well done.

Anyone interested in Florida or the everglades history will really enjoy this book. Another great book was about a man named Totch (AMAZON carries this great book also). Torch lived in everglades city fishing and hunting threw out the 10,000 islands to FLAMINGO in the EVERGLADS. Both books cover About the same time frame. This book covers the south east of the glades and Torch covers the south west of the glades Both books brought back some great memories of stories my family use to tell at family gatherings. My uncle used to travel from Miami to Naples by push boats before Tamiami trail or alligator alley was built.

started by reading glens other book, 'to keep from starving' and was hooked. it is hard to believe how much s. fl has changed in one mans life. this book was great and it seems like laura ogden has a knack for making it so readable and enjoyable.

LOVED this book! Many insights as to the lives of my family while living in wild Florida..at least the Anglo side of my family! Loved it, explained why we do and act certain ways. Usage of vocabulary, phrases, etc.. Great stories. Recommend to anyone.