Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - December - 2005 Issue
Florida from King and Queen Books
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Hurricanes aren't the only tragic events to hit Pensacola. Published in 1875, item 156 is a Letter...transmitting...a history of the yellow-fever epidemic of 1873. This report from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury includes information on outbreaks in the Pensacola area from 1822-1867. A map of the area is included in the report. $45.
Here's something even more painful than hurricanes and yellow fever: 75 Years of Dentistry. For those who think Florida is all sunshine and games, this should be a good reality check. This horror story was published by the Florida State Dental Society in 1960 to celebrate their 75th anniversary of doing things that are as unpleasant as, well, pulling teeth. Item 79. $25.
It was a battlefield success in the waning moments of a hopeless cause, a war already effectively loss. Federal troops pushed up along the St. Marks River, towards St. Marks and Tallahassee beyond. They were after Confederate forces which had been attacking Union soldiers. The army marched up along the river and attempted to cross at Natural Bridge. They could not. Confederate forces held them back. The defeated Union soldiers suffered 148 casualties, to just 26 for the Confederates. The Union army was forced to retreat. The date was March 6, 1865. Barely a month later, Lee would be forced to surrender, and final victory would belong to the Union. The book is The Battle of Natural Bridge, by Mark Boyd. Item 30, circa 1950. $10.
King and Queen Books may be reached at 850-477-2560 or by email at kqbooks@pcola.gulf.net.
