"The story of how Florida became entwined with Americans' 20th-century hopes, dreams and expectations, and how it was the site of mass delusion, real estate collapses, and catastrophic hurricanes. For Sale--American Paradise focuses on the experiences of William Jennings Bryan and Edwin Menninger, who were among the people who shaped the image of Florida that we know today and who sold that image as America's paradise. It's also a tale of the euphoria and mass delusion that inevitably happens when times are good and people convince themselves that they've found a foolproof way to have it all, have it now, and keep it forever"--Provided by publisher.

An old man's memories -- Railroad to dreamland -- Dreamers and thieves -- Leave your brain at home -- The stars shine brightest in Florida -- The bootlegger's curse -- "Many die; cities razed" -- Spinning the tempest -- Hope from the swamp -- Mr. Brown in paradise -- Blown away -- Dreamland after all.