Key West: History of an Island of Dreams
Ogle serves up an engaging chronicle of Florida's most famous key for those who like a little history with their Cuban coffee--or whatever it is that would draw them to the "Island of Dreams." Beginning in 1819, when the island known as Cayo Hueso (or Bone Key) seemed like little more than a coral and limestone reef containing neither fresh water nor arable land, Ogle deftly shows that Key West history is a composite of U.S history, at the same time focusing on Key West's uniqueness (pirates, wreckers, etc.). Much seems to have happened largely because of Key West's peculiar geographic location. Carefully detailed are the changes that have connected Key West to the rest of the U.S and made it the tourist haven that it is today. Ogle doesn't shy away from potentially controversial topics, such as the positive impact of gay tourists on the island and famous resident Tennessee Williams' predilection for young sailors in tight pants. In her well-researched telling, the author highlights many of the elements that make Key West.Randall EnosCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved