Paynes Prairie: The Great Savanna: A History and Guide

by Lars Andersen

This new paperback edition of Paynes Prairie still offers the sweeping history of the shallow-bowl basin in the middle of Florida, just south of Gainesville, but now adds a guide to outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the state preserve there today, along with maps of trails for biking, hiking, and canoeing.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Lars Andersen is a sports author, nutritional researcher and fitness enthusiast. In his spare time he participates in competitive running, swimming and cycling events and enjoys hiking with his two border collies.

Reviews

[Elizabeth McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lars Andersen, a north Florida nature guide and kayak expedition leader, wrote this wonderful book about Payne's Prairie, the huge savannah just south of Gainesville, Florida, a state park and US national natural landmark. He begins with the formation of the Florida peninsula, proceeds through the amazing fauna that roamed the land - 15-foot sloths, saber tooth cats, and more, continues with the tales of the battling humans - native and European, who struggled for dominion, and brings us up to the present day. It's a lot of information, but he presents it with a light touch, warm humor, and a deep love of this place. Cattle have grazed and excursion steamboats have sailed on the Prairie by turns, as it was formed and transformed by sinkholes, and in modern times people have struggled both to exploit it and protect it. If you like to read about nature, magical places, or Florida, you'll love this book as I do.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I always hated history in school and the only "history book" I've ever made it through was Howard Zinn's "A People's History", but I loved this book! Somehow the author made the history very interesting by connecting it with Florida ecology and cultures over time. I read it months ago and plan to read it again so that the rich cultural history will be fresh in my head as I explore Paynes Prairie. If you like Florida culture, history, and ecology, or if you are from Florida and proud of your heritage, you'll most likely love this book. Very well written, interesting, and complete with descriptions of the different paths and access points to Paynes Prarie.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject, Paynes Prairie, is dear to me as I grew up near in Gainesville, FL. My mother was involved in the early efforts that led to its being made a nature preserve in the early 70's. Since then, it has been given further status as a state park, thus protecting this valuable collection of ecosytems.

Andersen's book is quite good and a valuable introduction to the Prairie. I would have advised him that his book is a good draft and needs one more thorough re-writing to ratchet it up and make it competitive with other works about the north Florida area.

[Aneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep love for this book. It’s from 2001 but the zeal Lars has for this history and region matches my own.

[Cabell Eades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incorrect taxonomic information at the beginning. Also said the Cretaceous mass extinction was 135 mya, which is obviously wildly incorrect

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read for me I think mainly because it tells a lot about the history of Gainesville, Alachua county, and Paynes Prairie. Always interesting to find out information about the place you're at.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important book on the history of Payne's Prairie, a part of Florida my family and me hold dear, and one of the most beautiful areas in the state.

[Bonnie]

The history and geology of the region were explained without being too scholarly. Facts of settlement and conflicts were very interesting. Old photos and maps were helpful to understanding of this unique area.