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The definitive biography of the famous developer of Miami Beach "The definitive biography of one of the most energetic, versatile entrepreneurs of the early 20th century. In masterminding the development of the Indianapolis Speedway and Miami Beach, Fisher played a major role in teaching adult Americans how to play."--James Crooks, University of North Florida In the booming early years of the 20th century, few entrepreneurs rivaled Carl Fisher (1874-1939) for sheer energy and imagination. Born in Indiana, he began as a bicycle racer and salesman, made his first fortune perfecting and marketing the automobile headlight, helped build the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and headed promotion of the Indy 500, and was a moving force behind the development of the Lincoln and Dixie highways, America's first improved transcontinental roads. But all of these accomplishments were only prologue to his grandest adventure, as primary developer and promoter of Miami Beach. This definitive biography of Fisher, abundantly illustrated and written in an engaging style, captures the headiness of the period. Mark Foster traces Fisher's transformation of the South Florida landscape into a tourist's dream of golf, polo, deep sea fishing, and luxury hotels and his animation of that dream with bronzed lifeguards, bathing beauties flashing new swimsuit styles, and visiting dignitaries who generated a stream of tantalizing headlines. Foster also treats Fisher's troubles with labor and with Miami businessmen, his attempted development of Montauk on Long Island, New York, and the collapse of the entire Fisher enterprise in the wake of the 1926 hurricane and the great stock market crash of 1929. Throughout, he sets Fisher's insights, triumphs, loves, and shortcomings into the context of the early 20th century. This biography of a great corporate builder reveals the emergence of a new American way of life. The man whose genius for promotion turned a swampy spit of land into a luxurious urban locale also framed aspirations of leisure and entertainment for generations of Americans.

Product Identifiers

PublisherUniversity Press of Florida

ISBN-100813018099

ISBN-139780813018096

eBay Product ID (ePID)1773786

Product Key Features

Book TitleCastles in the Sand : the Life and Times of Carl Graham Fisher

Number of Pages368 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicEntrepreneurship, General, United States / State & Local / South (Al, Ar, Fl, Ga, Ky, La, ms, Nc, SC, Tn, VA, WV), Historical, Business

Publication Year2000

IllustratorYes

GenreBiography & Autobiography, Business & Economics, History

AuthorMark S. Foster

Book SeriesFlorida History and Culture Ser.

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height1.4 in

Item Weight12.3 Oz

Item Length9 in

Item Width6 in

Additional Product Features

Reviews"Acompelling biography that captures Carl Fisher's amazing spirit and drive.Foster has recovered the fascinating history of this creative businessman whoseaccomplishments have persisted while his memory dimmed." -- Indiana Magazine of History "Fostersmartly sums up Fisher's comet of a career." -- Miami Herald "Excellentand thorough . . . Spotlight[s] Fisher's achievements and fill[s] in the detailsof his personal life." -- Booklist "Thisstands as the Fisher bio written without family spin. For Fisher fans, it's therest of the story." -- Hemmings Classic Car "Thedefinitive biography of Fisher, abundantly illustrated and written in anengaging style." -- Bay Landings "Aninsightful study of a pathbreaking entrepreneur. Should remain the definitivestudy of 'Mr. Miami Beach' for years to come." -- Southern Historian

Dewey Edition21

Lccn00-034414

Target AudienceTrade

Dewey Decimal333.73/15/092 B

Lc Classification NumberCt275.F559c37 2000