A history of the twenty-seventh state as reflected by the columnist author's research and family ties includes a detailed exploration of Florida's founding and considers the roles of such recognized figures as Catherine de Medici and Jeb Bush as well as numerous lesser-known historical contributors. 30,000 first printing. A history of Florida written by a woman whose Floridian roots stretch back to the colonial days? Is such a thing possible? As Roberts points out, Florida prides itself on being a place without a past, a state built on cartoon mice and plastic flamingos. But Florida--European and Indian, southern and Yankee, FSU and UF--is home to many of the great conflicts in American history. From Ponce de Leon to the Seminole wars to the hanging chads of the 2000 election, Roberts tells the story of Florida through her relatives and ancestors. It would seem she is kin to most every prominent figure in northern Florida (Floridians will recognize several of the surnames in her family tree as counties), and it is through them that we come to know the state. Roberts' rough-edged colloquial style matches her subject matter nicely but contains frequent ramblings about Andrew Jackson, Jeb Bush, and her cousin the Tallahassee lawyer. But it's a fun ride, nonetheless, and proof positive that despite its pretenses, Florida does have a history--and a wild one. John Green Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Diane Roberts is Professor of English at the University of Alabama and a commentator for NPR and the BBC.