“Jackson is a person whose image appears often in history but whose story has been relatively unknown. Cason’s work makes an important contribution by detailing the life of a successful musician who hitched his star to a mainstream, consensus culture and thus was welcomed and favored among local, state, and national politicians. Jackson’s career is … Continue reading The Life and Music of Graham Jackson
Janet Reno: A Life
“It is hard to believe we had to wait this long for the definitive biography of Janet Reno, who served as the attorney general of the United States and exemplified legal probity, diligence, and adherence to the rule of law. Her life has been an example to so many. Stiehm has done us all a … Continue reading Janet Reno: A Life
Reinaldo Arenas’s Queer Activism and AIDS
By Rafael Ocasio, coauthor of The Dissidence of Reinaldo Arenas: Queering Literature, Politics, and the Activist Curriculum. This book is available at a discount price through February 28, 2023. Order here and use code MLA23 at checkout. Content notice: This post deals with the topic of suicide. "I have always considered it despicable to grovel for your life as if life … Continue reading Reinaldo Arenas’s Queer Activism and AIDS
Chesterfield Smith, America’s Lawyer
One of the boldest lawyers of the twentieth century “Adkins’s fast-paced, readable biography of one of Florida’s and the nation’s most influential lawyers and public citizens is a welcome addition. No American had a greater impact on the practice of law and public affairs in America than ‘Citizen’ Smith. Adkins has provided us with a … Continue reading Chesterfield Smith, America’s Lawyer
Millard Fillmore Caldwell
When actions of the past clash with the values of today “Mormino, an astute and knowledgeable observer of modern Florida, has produced a provocative and readable biography of one of the state’s important but little-known governors.”—Julian M. Pleasants, author of Home Front: North Carolina during World War II “One of Florida’s most distinguished historians captures the post–World … Continue reading Millard Fillmore Caldwell
The Extraordinary Life of Jane Wood Reno
A fearless writer in the Miami wilderness “What a life. A character with character. Minced no words. A romantic. Drank too much, smoked too much, cursed too much. Listened better than anyone. A heart for the less blessed. A kickass journalist. A ‘Mummy’ and ‘Grandmud’ who cared fiercely for family. This book has most everything … Continue reading The Extraordinary Life of Jane Wood Reno
Quarantine Reads for May 2020
Due to the overwhelming, positive response to our April "Quarantine Reads," University Press of Florida is pleased to offer a new selection of free eBooks for the month of May. This month's collection features biographies and memoirs, highlighting the lives of people—interesting, inspiring, and even infamous—from Florida and beyond. You can enjoy the digital versions … Continue reading Quarantine Reads for May 2020
La Meri and Her Life in Dance
“As a revolutionary performing artist whose interests and achievements were truly groundbreaking, La Meri built a life and career deeply deserving of our attention. Ruyter brings a specialist’s knowledge and sensitivity to a subject that demands closer study.”—Norton Owen, director of preservation, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival “A detailed chronicle of the touring, performing, choreographing, teaching, … Continue reading La Meri and Her Life in Dance
In Celebration of Merce Cunningham’s 100th Birthday
In celebration of Merce Cunningham's 100th Birthday, we're pleased to share this excerpt from Marianne Preger-Simon's Dancing with Merce Cunningham, her memoir of one of the most influential companies in modern American dance and the brilliance of its visionary leader. ~ ONE STEP LEADS TO ANOTHER In late spring of 1949, I learned that Merce Cunningham was giving … Continue reading In Celebration of Merce Cunningham’s 100th Birthday
Dancing with Merce Cunningham
“In her insightful debut, former dancer Preger-Simon, a close friend and contemporary of the late choreographer Merce Cunningham (1919–2009), gives readers an unparalleled view of a modern dance genius. . . . A sweet treat for dance and theater aficionados, as well as anyone interested in the arts."—Publishers Weekly “Many dancers find that they understand better … Continue reading Dancing with Merce Cunningham
The Florida Bookshelf 