Swampy's Florida

This book answers long lost questions of Flagler’s Key West extension that other histories steer around. Bramson is always the one with the answers and, thank goodness, he’s created this volume to answer just how the extension was created, the Key West hotels, the fishing cabins known for Zane Grey’s involvement and the aftermath and conclusion of the Key West railroad effort.

This book is a must-read to understand the Flagler railway to Key West. Especially for those who have read any book of the short-lived railroad. Standiford’s ‘Last Train to Paradise’ should have this attached by a purchaser. Reading Bramson’s book, he appears to be answering questions Standiford begs for. Both are excellent.

I certainly realize this book is not for the Florida railroad novice or one who views the silly fairy tale of Florida being paradise. This book needs to be read by those with some fundamental knowledge of Florida railroad history.
With that thought, the title appears deceptive and a poor choice. Better title would’ve been: ‘The Mysteries of the Greatest Railroad of Henry Flagler’.
Bramson titled this facetiously in a slap to the bulk of stories “ever Told” that have been written inaccurately.

Another issue is the layout of the book is haphazard. Bramson is trying to cover so much territory that he runs over his own headlights (Which i’ve seen him do in talks…which I’ve done in talks!) and following the narrative will be confusing to those unfamiliar with the Keys train. This could also be cause by his rush to get this out before the centennial celebration of the celebrated completion of the train. Could also be the constraints of the publisher.

I’ve read a ton of the Key West extension, studied much of it and heard Bramson talks of the subject. Still, this small volume slipped past me. The smallness is deceptive to the mountain of gold historical information inside. I’m beating myself up for not reading this book 20 years ago.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 out of ten points.

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