Jack E. Davis is an associate professor of history at the University of Florida. He is editor of The Wide Brim: Early Poems and Ponderings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and coeditor of Paradise Lost? The Environmental History of Florida.
A brilliant biography, An Everglades Providence completes the
portrait of one of the most important environmental figures of the
twentieth century. Environmentalists claim Marjory Stoneman Douglas
as theirs, but she was not a full-time activist until age 79. Davis
fills in the picture with writing as clever and fluid as his
subject's and with meticulous research that will have readers
asking, 'How'd he find that?' His book is also another life story:
that of South Florida's environment and its devastating alteration.
A must-read for citizens and decisionmakers, who can choose to keep
altering nature or heed Douglas and live in its balance.--Cynthia
Barnett "author of Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the
Eastern U.S."
A compelling biography of one of the twentieth century's giants in
American conservation and letters. Davis does for Marjory Stoneman
Douglas what Linda Lear did for Rachel Carson and Farley Mowat did
for Dian Fossey. He gives us the textures of a principled woman,
sometimes troubled, sometimes ambitious, always dedicated to an
unselfish goal. Davis does justice to both Douglas's life and the
incipient days of America's environmental awakening.--Ted Levin
"author of Liquid Land: A Journey through the Florida
Everglades"
Davis has vividly captured the Marjory Stoneman Douglas I knew--a
feisty, funny, indomitable American original. With erudition and
eloquence he carries the reader along in a gripping story of the
century-long struggle to save the Everglades. And he tells us that
Marjory would surely want us to know that the struggle is far from
over. This book inspires us to carry on her work.--Diana Chapman
Walsh "president of Wellesley College, 1993-2007"
An Everglades Providence hardly knocks Douglas off the pedestal she
properly occupies in Florida history. But this ambitious,
scrupulously thorough biography extends credit to the many other
people who helped put her there. Without diminishing Douglas'
accomplishments, Davis details her critical collaborations with
mentors, scientists, activists, journalists and friends who
influenced her.--Miami Herald
An impressive look at America during Douglas's lifetime and the
growth of America's environmental movement. This outstanding volume
is essential for environmental and history collections.--Library
Journal
Davis never met Douglas, but he has given her the serious biography
she deserves, capturing her cantankerous personality and brilliant
mind, while at the same time providing the historical context
necessary to fully appreciate her amazing life. It's a tour de
force.--St. Petersburg Times
I congratulate Davis for his exceptional book on the life of
Marjory Stoneman Douglas. More than just a biography, the book
provides an excellent history of the modern environmental movement.
I am certain that all who read it will be not only inspired by the
dynamic, pivotal, and courageous life and work of Marjory Stoneman
Douglas but also reminded of how terribly essential her efforts to
protect the Florida Everglades and the environment remain.--Senator
Bob Graham
Paints an affectionate portrait of the quirky Douglas.--Orion
Magazine
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