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WILLIAM FRAZER is a Professor of Economics at the University of Florida, Gainesville.

JOHN J. GUTHRIE, JR., was an instructor of History and Social Science at Daytona Beach Community College.

The importance of the banking industry in the great speculative boom in Florida.

Booknews

Analyzes the financial and economic foundations and behavior of the Florida land boom, 1913-25, particularly the role of the banks. Finds that the boom was precipitated by the burgeoning military presence during the run-up to World War I, and the tendency for the American leisure class generated by industrialization to look to their own country rather than to Europe for a summer home. Examines the infrastructure and the tourist clientele, banking and credit, promotions and speculation, the countervailing publicity that signaled the end, particular localities, the economic and architectural legacy of the era, and other dimensions. Includes a battery of contemporary photographs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)