"[A] detailed and lively environmental history of the Everglades.  Those interested in anthropology, geology, and American history will also find much to fascinate them as McCally traces the ecosystem's development from its geologic origins through the first human habitation to today's threats by development and agriculture."—
Library Journal
"Admirable . . . an interesting and informative historical account of the Everglades."—
Journal of Economic History
"A powerful book that might disturb some and energize others." —
St. Petersburg Times
"An engaging, fascinating, and fine-grained narrative that is good history with an activist edge. It will change the way we think about the Everglades."—Mart A. Stewart, Western Washington University, author of
"What Nature Suffers to Groe": Life, Labor, and Landscape on the Georgia Coast
This important work for general readers and environmentalists alike offers the first major discussion of the formation, development, and history of the Everglades, considered by many to be the most endangered ecosystem in North America. Comprehensive in scope, it begins with South Florida's geologic origins—before the Everglades became wetlands—and continues through the 20th century, when sugar reigned as king of the Everglades Agricultural Area.
Urging restoration of the Everglades, McCally argues that agriculture, especially sugar growing, must be abandoned or altered.  Sure to be influential in all discussions of Florida's future,
The Everglades
also will be significant for environmentalists focused on any area of North America.
David McCally teaches U.S. history at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus, and environmental history at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.