The Everglades: River of Grass

The Everglades: River of Grass, first published in 1947, begins with the famous passage: "There are no other Everglades in the world," and continues with a fascinating look at the natural and human history of the Florida Everglades. The book portrays, in layperson's terms, the ecology of the Everglades, its important plant and animal life, its long Native American history, the coming of the Spanish, its early settlements, and the modern attempts of drainage and development, typically with disastrous results. This landmark book redefined public opinion of the Everglades from that of 'worthless swamp' to one in which the Everglades are valued as a unique ecological treasure of vital importance to the health of southern Florida. The Everglades: River of Grass remains essential reading for anyone interested in the history and conservation of this vast wilderness. Included are 2 maps.

In addition to researching and writing this book, author Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890-1998) played an important leadership role in the effort to protect the Everglades from development, and she was active in other social causes as well (civil rights, women's rights) during the course of her long life. She was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983.