Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida History

by Dana Ste. Claire

What exactly is a “Cracker”? An entertaining, informative look at a slice of old Florida culture. For over 200 years scholars have attempted to define the Crackers, but their name is as elusive as their nature, their character as tough as Florida’s hardscrabble countryside, and any real Cracker will tell you that’s just the way they like it. Part history, part folklore, Cracker is a generously illustrated account of Cracker heritage, its rich history, and its disappearance as today’s fast-paced society reaches even into the remote backwoods of the state.From the language they spoke to the houses they built, from clandestine moonshine stills and cowhunting to “grits and gravy,” Dana Ste. Claire offers a colorful and revealing tour of Crackerdom.  

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Being quite ignorant of the history of the "Florida Cracker" and crackers in general, this was a fun read. What a life, to try to carve it out of the Florida woodlands and swamps, living off the land, fighting insects, reptiles, bears, panthers, and other crackers. And, with no air conditioning. It's a wonder they did not all perish. I cannot fathom living through a florida summer in the scrub with no protection from the bugs, snakes and heat.

[Tex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting collection of anecdotes about a group of people who have been either marginalized or idealized (depending on the era). I was intrigued by the various potential sources for the term "cracker" as I had only heard the one about the whip sound myself.

[Jake Wetzell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical book. Felt repeative towards the end but overall a fascinating lesson in Old Florida.

[Patricia Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable read for this Florida newcomer. Add a star or two if you are a transplant, native, and/or of cracker ancestry interested in Florida’s history. At once astonishing, disturbing, and revealing about today’sFlorida culture. I’d like to know more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

More in common with the historical revisionism of this group as an ethnic identifier than the more accurate depiction in Nancy Isenberg or Keri Leigh Merritt’s works.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a much better understanding of the Cracker culture after reading this book. I always thought the word "cracker" was a derogatory term. I had no idea that a whole way of life existed for these tenacious people.

[Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic, well-researched book about a culture that's rarely mentioned.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. I live in this area and can't imagine surviving without bug spray and a/c. I was surprised about Frederick Remington being in this area in the 1890s.

[Regina Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent read for those interested in learning about the myth and facts behind what a Cracker really is - the different types and how they persevered through harsh times!

[Cathy Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being born and raised in Jacksonville FL, I was surprised to find that I had very little knowledge of the 'Cracker' culture. I enjoyed Mr. Ste. Claire's book very much and it has peaked my interest to know more.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an interesting anthropological look at pioneers of Florida. There are a lot of parallels with the pioneers of the American Midwest, but there are regional differences. The interview about corn left me confused, but the rest of the material was well-written and edifying.

[Ben Rothman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly dumb.