...after searching through a half-dozen tour books of Miami, I came across this gem. Richly decriptive and a cover to cover source of solid information. A 'must have' for anyone planning a trip to Miami or outer areas. Or really for anyone wanting to know more about the Miami scene. A+++

A beautiful book filled with mouth-watering recipes and gorgeous photographs. One which will be treasured in your library for years to come.

good recipes, especially the Key Lime bars. She is for certain, the expert on the subject of Key Lime.

My husband and I lived in Key West for four and a half years being stationed there with the U.S. Coast Guard. There were some points about Key West itself we didn't like but that comes with any town, but this book will bring back some fond and beautiful memories we will share long after our military days are over and a couple of wonderful friends -Tracie and Pete. You can't describe Key West in so many words, a book like this would be the only explaination of the eccentric lifestyle in this paradise haven. It will be something we can show our two little girls when they get older and tell them that this is where they were born. Thanks for a majestic memory.

Key West is such a beautiful place, it deserves to have a book like this written about it. Lovingly crafted by its adoring author, this series of essays doesn't comprise the ordinary "where to shop, eat and stay", advertisement-frenzied travel book. Instead, it's a languid stroll through past and present Key West, accompanied by Cox who whispers many strange and wonderful secrets of "Cayo Hueso" as you float through this weathered paradise.

Cox spent four months in the "Conch Republic", so there's nothing slick or salesman-like about his observations of this Bohemian enclave. His respect for Key West history and its influence in shaping the present community is obvious. Cox is especially admiring and engaging in his portrayal of real-life "Freshwater and Saltwater Conchs" (as the natives...and not-so-natives...call themselves), all who readily share their interesting stories with him, whether over a frenzied breakfast at a local cafe, or a quiet drink in the shade of a sheltered verandah. Fascinating tales abound in this book, the funniest of which recounts the night the Navy burned confiscated drugs in the City dump on Key West Bight: prevailing winds made this event especially memorable for the natives. Cox goes on to say, "Since then, the government has burned its dope somewhere else."

Even though the book was published in the 1980's, this first-time 2001 traveler to Key West found it to be a fascinating read about a fascinating place. Its many wonderful treasures, from the carefully restored homes, broken-down military establishments, lazy beaches, historical landmarks and museums, haunting cemeteries, homey bars and saloons, and flourishing retail markets - not to mention the colorful "Conchs" who call the place home - don't seem to occupy a static place in time. Instead, Key West meanders through the years like a lush, tropical, untended garden, changing here and there occasionally, but always maintaining a character that makes it the most intriguing and unexpected pleasure to be savored. Cox's "companion" to this unexpected pleasure is indeed just that - a warm tribute to an old friend. An unexpected pleasure in and of itself, "A Key West Companion" will transport you to that beautiful island for a vacation of the mind, with Cox as your own personal tour guide...and will probably spur you to plan a trip of your own to this weird and wonderful place, even if you've already been there before.

Before buying this book, I checked out lots of visitors guides to the Keys. This book is well organized with sections for areas of the Keys and then accommodations, restaurants, etc. It was easy to find information and the information is complete with description, address, and phone number. This is by far the best book specifically about the Keys. Unlike many, it does not focus solely on Key West. I recommend it to anyone planning a trip there.

This book gives detailed and specific information useful to someone who wants to thoroughly explore these areas. Subjects such as the best places and times to view different types of wildlife in the Everglades, and where you can feed huge tarpon off of a dock are covered in useful detail. If you're looking for the best beach resort, or best nightclub, you will probably be disappointed, but those more interested in nature, history, and the people of the area will be satisfied.

Are you looking for a day at the beach or a night on the town? Do you want to sail the Intracoastal Waterway by day or to cruise South Beach by night? How about a little bit of each? It's all here, from the neon excitement of Miami to the laid-back style of the Keys, from spas to sports, from romantic getaways to family fun.

Miami & the Florida Keys Alive! is certain to entice first-time and long-time visitors alike. You'll find comprehensive information in every chapter, whether you are looking for the finest international cuisine, world-class shopping, challenging dive excursions or just some fun in the sun. You'll also find a vacation for every budget; a price scale is included for hotels and restaurants, and fees are listed for most attractions.

Author J. Paul Scurlock, now deceased, devoted his retirement years exploring the Florida Keys, observing and photographing every specimen of tree and shrub. Pulished in 1987, It was researched and written before massive development in the Keys and pestiferous imports destroyed many of the native habitats. This book is still considered the bible of Florida Keys shrub and tree identification. With more two or three photos of most plants, it makes identification immeasurably easier: there's a photo of the entire tree, a close-up of the leaves, and the fruit, flower, or most remarkable aspect of the tree close up.

The plants are arranged in alphabetical order by botanical names. Information includes common names and scientific synonyms, detailed physical description, diurnal and seasonal changes, fascinating tidbits, and clues to tricky identifications.

The book emphasizes scientifc information, but is enjoyably readable for anyone interested in home gardening, ecology, or nature. The Miami Herald called it "The first field guide of its kind ...a a book that botanists can respect and nature lovers can understand." I absolutely agree.

I've had the book for several years, and find myself pulling it off the shelf frequently when I encounter a new plant while taking a walk, or want to see if a plant I want in my garden will survive the harsh shoreline conditions of my Florida Keys home.

I happen to own the first edition of this book. Pat Parks covers the history of the 'Overseas Railroad' in great detail, telling the story of the many hardships of the people who worked (and died) to make Henry Flagler's dream become reality. Now, if only anyone today could have that kind of vision...