Customer Reviews

Miami Beach: Blueprint of an Eden

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I grew up in Miami Beach a bit later than the authors. When the book arrived I couldn't put it down. I loved the photos and historic reference; they showed just how special Miami Beach was. My only wish is that the authors would have expanded their history a bit.

Perhaps add info on Central Beach Elementary, Ida M Fisher Junior and Miami Beach High as well as some of the other early landmarks (the Post Office on Washington Avenue). I realize the authors wrote through their own families' experience, but there is so much more... and so many others who contributed so much to the city.

Hopefully one day they'll do another book to immortalize a truly "Magic City."

The book is a quick read and majority of it black and white,there are blueprints and some very good rare photos,there is a caption referring to the times as the cold war etc. didn't impress me. the book nonetheless is very interesting although very heavy on the botanical side,artsy elitist types, and on fashion,galas,what she is wearing etc.,my favorite is the WTVJ CHANNEL 4(then ch.4/Wometco,etc) photos and the fountainbleu spread.Nice big hardcover minus the dustjacket. Can't complain I got a new copy for $3 from the store.I recommend reading Miami Beach Memories.

So many personal memories came to life because of this lovely book. There are many other readers like me who grew up in Miami Beach and perhaps also danced around the Maypole in North Beach Elementary. I especially liked the glamorous photos - the movie star quality of Gertrude Oka - and the dressed-up glitz of Miami Beach's image, where fur stoles were a must. There were pictures of many wonderful buildings, and many of these were given depth by architectural drawings and historical comments.

This fascinating look at the creation of Miami Beach and its early history is told by its authors through the looking glass of their prominent families. Both the Oka and Wolfson families have been highly visible players in Miami Beach's political and social life for decades.

This book is filled with interesting black and white photos -- many from family archives -- not found elsewhere. The book tells the story of Miami Beach from a uniquely personal perspective. From its early development from a huge mangrove swamp through the glamorous sixties when world famous entertainers lived, performed and partied in Miami Beach, this book is evokes Miami Beach's romantic past. [...]

A stunningly beautiful photographic history of Miami Beach. The photographs are from the archives of 2 prominent Miami Beach families. They took the community from a small tropical village into a world class posh resort. Its fascinating to read and see the evolution of one of my favorite places. A great coffee table book.