Reviews
"Splendid biography of Charles Torrey Simpson" "...offers a fascinating glimpse into what the Everglades were like as it became a national park."
--Stuart News (Stuart, FL)
"Rothra brings to life Simpson's long sweep of knowledge of the change from unspoiled wilderness he first experienced in the keys, hammocks, and everglades, to the clearing and filling of vast areas as development advanced inexorably....The story is well, intimately, and sympathetically told...."
--Choice
What a splendid read! What a wonderful biography of a man, a naturalist, with a zest for life and the environment - plants, shells, snails, all things of the Everglades, palms, plants, grasses and Flowers! ... Rothra has given a major contribution to naturalists and historians by her meticulous documentation of Simpson's life. And yet with all the details, she has woven a delicious story of a man in his late 70s and even late 80s passionate about his discoveries as he plodded through swamplands and woodlands in Florida ever looking for new things that had never before been talked about.
--Polk County News Chief
"Those who enjoy and cherish South Florida's natural environment -its peerless Everglades, pine-palmetto lands, waterways, hammocks and keys- and are concerned about protecting this subtropical/tropical paradise, will be especially grateful to Elizabeth Rothra, who has exhaustively researched and fully written the life story of Charles Torrey Simpson (1846-1932), 'the father of all South Florida naturalists.'" "a richly detailed portrait of the unstoppable and fascinating Simpson."
--South Florida History Magazine
"Florida's Pioneer Naturalist is an outstanding portrayal of an important field naturalist witnessing the changing environment of south Florida. Although the book will surely he of interest to historians, horticulturists and malacologists, the real strength of the book is the clear, straightforward style that makes it accessible and fascinating to the general reader." "An ardent environmentalist might suggest that this book be recommended reading for any south Florida resident, as well as any new residents as they move into the state."
--Florida Historical Quarterly