History of St. Augustine Florida

Whimsically Illustrated History of North America's Oldest City

By: Jesse W. Love

Narrated by: Josh Engel

The beautiful town of St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied city in North America. Founded in 1565, by Pedro Menendez, of Spain, it predates the Pilgrims at Plymouth rock by 42 years and the English settlement at Jamestown by 55 years. It's old town section with many classic stone and log pole buildings in excellent condition, and its magnificent Spanish fort the Castillo San Marcos, dating from 1672, herald St. Augustine as one of the most amazingly preserved historical towns in the Americas.

The History of St. Augustine is a highly enjoyable book to read. As one person complimented, "If history were this fun in school it would be everyone's favorite subject." Taking a unique approach, The History of St. Augustine leaves out all of the accounts of politics, which take up 80% of a usual history book. What remains are all of the exciting and interesting parts of history- the wars, treachery, battles, plagues, hurricanes, pestilences, uprisings, fires and pirates! Plus, insights into the fascinating characters of St. Augustine including Spaniards, French, English, Native Americans and others.

Making this wonderful history book even more enjoyable it is filled with whimsical cartoons loosely related to the historical narrative. Funny to both kids and adults, each cartoon also conveys a message about the unique history of marvelous St. Augustine, Florida.

©1995, 2013 Jesse W. Love (P)2014 Jesse W. Love

A fascinating look into history!!!

What did you love best about History of St. Augustine Florida?

What I loved best about this book was its concise, in-depth, well rounded portray of St. Augustine. History has so many layers, and I believe this book did an excellent job of showing all the past layers of St. Augustine. The flow of the dialogue was excellent and easy to understand.

Who was your favorite character and why?

St. Augustine, Florida! Like many of other places in the United States of America it has a colorful history, and now I know its history and can appreciate it more. The city has endured a lot, and deserves a great book like this to easily reach tons of readers and have its story told. I have never been there before, but would like to visit now more than any other place.

What about Josh Engel’s performance did you like?

His fluctuating tone and rhythm kept me intrigued and entertained.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was exciting and entertaining! Through its crafty wording, I was able to create vivid images in my mind!

Any additional comments?

I love history! However, within the schools I've attended a lot of history has been omitted. I kind of wish the authors who wrote a lot of the history books I was forced to read growing up could be put on a stand to recite that ever so clever oath...."Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God.." This book was unbiased and detailed. After reading it I felt as if I got the truth.

A Love of True History - Florida

Short. informative and to the point. Great narration. The storytelling ties into key dates, people and places.

Great story!

Would you consider the audio edition of History of St. Augustine Florida to be better than the print version?

This book is a real pleasure, recommended for anyone interested in the history of St. Augustine Florida. In fact, even if you're not especially interested in the history of Florida you'll enjoy reading this book. It's like sitting on a porch and listening to a wry old timer, sitting in a rocking chair and smoking a pipe, telling you one entertaining tale after another.

A vivid picture of St. Augustine.

What made the experience of listening to History of St. Augustine Florida the most enjoyable?

As a once Florida Native and a history buff I have always wanted to plan a road trip to St. Augustine with the family. I am planning on going back to Florida in May and St. Augustine will be one of the stops we have on the itinerary. Time is always limited these days with children and so on, as such I thought it might be best to look for an audio book the could I could listen too before visiting this magical place. I stumbled across the “History of St. Augustine Florida: Whimsically Illustrated History of North America's Oldest City,” by Author Jesse W. Love, and thought it would be a great way to learn more about this amazing historic destination.

The Audio Book was narrated beautifully, it was informative and well thought out as well as written. Total length is appx. 38 minutes and is filled with grand descriptiveness that took me on a historic adventure ride where I had the privilege of meeting fascinating characters the likes of which include: St. Augustine including Spaniards, French, English, Native Americans as well as many others.

Author Jesse W. Love has deffiniatly painted a vivid picture of what I consider to be the highlight of our trip. I am already imagining myself walking down the Spanish fort the Castillo San Marcos, that dates back to the 1600’s and retracing one of the oldest historical towns in America.

I cant wait for the trip to start and am so grateful for having the opportunity to listen to this fantasic desctiptive book that will help anyone who is interested in learning more about St. Augustine or like me, planning a trip.

Astounding job with this audio book. 5 Stars!

What other book might you compare History of St. Augustine Florida to and why?

Inferno by Dan Brown with Grand descriptiveness

What does Josh Engel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Grand descriptiveness that took me on a historic adventure ride

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

History in an Epic and Sweeping Fashion!

Who knew Florida was so interesting!

If you could sum up History of St. Augustine Florida in three words, what would they be?

interesting, surprising, drama-filled

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's a history book so there aren't characters as such. The town itself is the only constant throughout and it's story is so tumultuous! I don't think I ever realized how difficult it was for the settlers and their families.

What does Josh Engel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

intonation, a lovely accent/voice, a book I can 'read' while driving/working!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Mosquitoes really ARE the enemy! (and the natives, and the French, and the British, and sometimes the Spanish depending on who's side you're on ;))

Any additional comments?

If you aren't filled with admiration for settlers already, you will be after this. Not just the first ones to arrive and discover mosquitoes, or the second generation killed by natives, or the third who witness the complete destruction of their town, or the ones who rebuild it to see it ruined again.............given everything that happened to St. Augustine it's a miracle that it's still there!

Really interesting and enjoyable listen :)