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America's Alligator: A Popular History of Our Most Celebrated Reptile Paperback – April 1, 2020
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Once tourism began to take hold in the South as a real industry, especially in Florida, the alligator took on iconic and even mythical status. "One of the most picturesque features of Florida has always been that uncouth and fierce-looking reptile called the alligator," wrote Nevin O. Winter in 1918. "Everybody who comes down here to the peninsula has an ambition to see one in the wild."
Seminole Indians wrestled alligators for show. Alligator souvenirs and mascots often took what people feared—a sharp-toothed predator—and made it into something cute and cuddly.
Alligator-themed songs were recorded and released, including "See You Later Alligator" by Bill Haley and His Comets. Hollywood into created alligator-themed movies such as Alligator People. Alligators were also reportedly kept in the White House under two presidencies. And perhaps the most unusual alligator story was one that helped to nab Ma Barker and her son Fred when they were hiding out along Florida's Lake Weir.America's Alligator examines the colorful and sometimes conflicted relationship our species has had with Alligator mississippiensis. Doug Alderson explores the country's rich alligator mythology and how it inspired various forms of art, stories, photography, tourism and even humor.
America's Alligator was awarded the 2021 first place royal palm literary award for nonfiction by the Florida Writers Association. One judge wrote: "The author's voice is friendly yet authoritative, engaging, and compelling, reflecting his mastery of the subject. His choice of words is appropriate for the genre, and his writing style is consistent throughout the book. The leisurely pace of the presentation makes reading enjoyable. Overall, the book exemplifies how a book on a specific topic that enjoys a broad appeal should present itself to the general public."
- Print length160 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLyons Press
- Publication dateApril 1, 2020
- Dimensions7.07 x 0.34 x 9.05 inches
- ISBN-101493048260
- ISBN-13978-1493048267
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Tom Palmer, Winter Haven News Chief and the Lakeland Ledger, 5/9/2020The Florida Rambler website published an excerpt from chapter 7 of the book: Baby Alligators for Sale! floridarambler.com/historic-florida-getaways/alligators-in-florida/
"The appeal of this book does not rest only on its effective storytelling and educative power. The illustrations, photographic and otherwise, are dazzling and contribute much to the overall impact of the book." Philip K. Jason, Southern Literary Review, 7/23/20
Watch this entertaining and informative author interview about America's Alligator with Dr. Shelley Plumb on Author Jam: facebook.com/DrShelleyPlumb/videos/418656536191145. Here is an April 23, 2020, author chat with Doug Alderson about "America's Alligator": youtube.com/watch?v=SYFnUT_nTWw
Online program by the author for the Friends of Wakulla Springs on December 10, 2020: youtube.com/watch?v=9Ul3fMGzL6Q&feature=youtu.be
From the Author
A couple of factors gave rise to this book. I began collecting Old Florida postcards a few years ago and acquired some humorous ones relating to alligators such as alligators driving a Model A (in book) and realized that the fascination with alligators began early on with the first waves of tourists. I also began collecting Victorian-era alligator related souvenirs, mostly from Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Alligator souvenirs were hugely popular.The fascination with alligators continues today. A few years ago, as part of my day job at the time, I gave some out-of-state talks about Florida kayaking trails and the number one question I received was always about alligators, generally from a standpoint of fear and curiosity. I realized there were many misconceptions relating to alligators. I also observed the reactions of out-of-state tourists at nearby Wakulla Springs State Park on their jungle boat tours. When the first alligator was spotted, there would be a loud exclamation and the boat would tilt because people would race to the side to take photos. It is no surprise that the major alligator related attractions, such as Gatorland, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Cajun Encounters, are doing quite well. And while alligators were once endangered due to over-hunting, that is certainly not the situation today. They can be found in most every Southeastern stream, river and lake.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Lyons Press
- Publication date : April 1, 2020
- Language : English
- Print length : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1493048260
- ISBN-13 : 978-1493048267
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.07 x 0.34 x 9.05 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,491,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #405 in Biology of Reptiles & Amphibians
About the author

Doug Alderson prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include Nostalgic Florida, Florida's Rivers, America’s Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida’s Endangered Wildlife, A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions, and Discovering Florida's Coast, which the Florida Writers Association placed in the top four of published books for 2023. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in numerous magazines.
In writing about Doug's Florida's Rivers book, Paige Aigret of Tallahassee Magazine summarizes his writing style: "Alderson’s prose speaks to Florida’s environment as vividly as his photography, with historical accounts weaving in and out of the storylike narrative. This is not so much a guidebook as a piece of inspiration, a collection of words and images that tempt you toward riverbanks."
Doug is also an adventurer, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, coordinated a group walk across the United States, backpacked through Europe, and mapped a 1,500-mile sea kayaking trail around Florida.
If you like one of Doug's books, please leave a review.
Please Note: This Doug Alderson (Florida resident) should not be confused with the author of the same name who lives in Canada and writes about kayak safety and paddling skills.


