Key West on the Edge: Inventing the Conch Republic

The Florida History and Culture Series

by Robert Kerstein

How the unique island city came to be a major tourist destination
Florida Historical Society Charlton Tebeau Book Award


Key West lies at the southernmost point of the continental United States, ninety miles from Cuba, at Mile Marker 0 on famed U.S. Highway 1. Famous for six-toed cats in the Hemingway House, Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony's, Jimmy Buffett songs, body paint parade "costumes," and a brief secession from the Union after which the Conch Republic asked for $1 billion in foreign aid, Key West also lies at the metaphorical edge of our sensibilities.  How this unlikely city came to be a tourist mecca is the subject of Robert Kerstein's intrepid new history. Sited on an island only four miles long and two miles wide, Key West has been fishing village, salvage yard, U.S. Navy base, cigar factory, hippie haven, gay enclave, cruise ship port-of-call, and more. Duval Street, which stretches the length of one of the most unusual cities in America, is today lined with brand-name shops that can be found in any major shopping mall in America.  Leaving no stone unturned, Kerstein reveals how Key West has changed dramatically over the years while holding on to the uniqueness that continues to attract tourists and new residents to the island.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's written by an academic, so this book is a bit dry in spots. But, once you get past all the acronyms and governmental agencies, it's an interesting account of how Key West went from industrial and military outpost to luxury getaway and the tug of war between tourists and year-round residents. It certainly didn't make me want to visit.

[Jane E · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most boring books that I have ever read. So boring in fact that I started it more than once and almost gave up completely. Key West should not be a boring subject! This was the only "history" book I could find. Surely there are others that give a less turgid view of the island and island life. (Purchased in Key West.)

[Marc McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great modern day history of Key West with the players of the last century. Most historical literature on Key West focuses on “ancient” history while this discusses more of what has happened in the recent past to structure island policies and politics

[Jack Trifts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and well written book. Depending on the reader and their goals, this is either a five or three star read. For the professional historian studying the area, it’s detail will be welcome. As noted in the foreword, this is the goal of the publisher, UF Press. For someone interested in a more general story of Key West, the level of detail may, at times, be tedious. None the less, it is a detailed history of the island.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This is jam packed with info. Well researched.