I Take This Land

by Richard Pitts Powell

Set in the Everglades from 1895 to 1946, Richard Powell tells the story of the development of Southwest Florida. The cast of characters, including a powerful land promoter, Ward Campion, and devoted farmer, Joel Emmet, each portray a piece of the land that they fight so hard to call their own.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

425 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Richard Pitts Powell, American author.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grandmother handed this book to me in about 1984 when I was visiting her in Sarasota, Florida. I read about 1/3 of it before I left. I have been trying to find the book for the last 5 years or so without having a title or author. I finally called the library in Fort Myers. They were great. After giving them a very sketchy plot that I vaguely remembered from 30 years ago, they figured out what I was talking about.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in high school. It was probably the first historical fiction I ever read. It was well written and I wish I still had a copy of it.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a remarkable book from a little known author. Anyone who's spent time in the southwest of Florida will recognize the places and the history.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two wonderful SW Florida novels. This title and Land Remembered by
Patrick Smith. Both are worth reading; they aren't great literature but they're good story telling.

[MAMcK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Southwest Florida for over 40 years, I have seen a great many changes to the area, and have seen firsthand the continuing destruction of a beautiful and unique place. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the characters, and understand their deep affection for this place. I know just where The Lost Girl Swamp is, and have visited its beauty for years. What I truly appreciate is the author's ability to paint a multifaceted picture of a character that most likely have been portrayed as all evil by lesser authors. This is a keeper, and will be added to my collection of Florida books.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect, but "man" (pun intended), was it sexist. Had a hard time with the omnipotent author never giving a female perspective and instead being all about men's views of women "getting plump" or hearing how "time had treated" a woman, yet never hearing the same about the men. Also didn't take too kindly to a "me too" scene.

[Brian Balch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic historical fiction account of many real events that shaped southwest Florida. The railroad, the fictional town of Fort Taylor (Myers), Egret plume hunting, draining the Everglades, the massive flood that killed so many. Wow. I’m honestly surprised I had not heard of this book sooner and I feel it ranks right there with A Land Remembered as required reading for all Floridians.

[Susan Heintzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Florida comes alive

This really makes you appreciate how wild it must have been back when Florida was first settled and continued to develop.

[John Pitcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this historical fiction about old Florida when it was in its early development stages beginning in the late 1800s up until just after the end of WW-II.

[Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable historical fiction saga about frontier pioneers in south west Florida by Richard Powell in “I Take This Land”.

More at
https://medium.com/@vram45/i-take-thi...

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because I so enjoy books about "old Florida" I did enjoy this, but it lacked the spirit of "A Land Remembered," which I much preferred. The two are very similar in the timing - late 19th century turning into the first half of the 20th, both dealing with the development and damage to the Everglades. However, Land Remembered dealt more deeply with the history, following the various Indian tribes, the building of the Tamiami Trail and the numerous ill attempts to drain the Everglades. I also preferred the characters in A Land Remembered.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this book a 3.5 if I could. Good story about
the development of Ft Myers/Southwest FL and the people who settled and exploited the land. Plot became a little
predictable, otherwise would have given it 4 stars.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Take This Land

Richard Powell has intertwined the lives of men and women over a long period of time. He created a story which is well worth the the time you will spend with it. It is full of excitement, history, and mystery.

[Mary E. Kapustka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it gives the history of the area in Florida around Fort Myers where we spent many winters.