The Smallest Tadpole's War in the Land of Mysterious Waters

By: Diane Swearingen

Narrated by: Jim Seybert

The Smallest Tadpole’s War in the Land of Mysterious Waters is based on a true story, a family story. It is part of the Florida Special Collection at the State Library of Florida, and the Florida History Collection at the University of Florida Smathers Library, Florida State Strozier Library and Gulf Coast State College.

In early 1861, Florida was a rural frontier state that had joined the Union just 15 years before. Its population of 140,000 was by far the smallest of any of the states that formed the Confederacy. Nearly 63,000 of the population were African Americans, most of whom were slaves working in an agricultural-based economy. The majority of the white population was relatively poor and rural. In the 1860s, a Northern newspaper referred to Florida as "the smallest tadpole in the dirty pool of succession."

©2015 Diane Swearingen (P)2018 Diane Swearingen

Florida Pioneers.

Loved it. It was like reading my own ancestor's story. Will be purchasing books for my family.

Enjoyable read!!

Enjoyable read, it has Florida history and small Georgian history of early, middle and late 1800s. Not only it's a book about Florida history it also entails 3 relatives of one family enduring a war of Union V. South, as well as the women/children. It's written from a memoir or diary of the relatives of one family and a collective of the history of north Florida.

Thoroughly Enjoyed

This took me back to growing up in NW Florida and listening to the stories of my grandfather and other old timers. I could visualize the characters and setting and kinda felt like I was part of the story. Enjoyed it so much I plan on reading it again.

Interesting addition for Civil War era buffs . . .

I found this little gem after almost overlooking it simply because of the seemingly odd title. Do not be fooled, this is an interesting piece of U.S. history, written from a very personal perspective, and not of general knowledge. Set in the 1860s in "the smallest tadpole in the dirty pool of succession" the story gives a unique perspective of life leading up to and after the Civil War. The narration was as close to perfect as one could get and really enhanced the listen, especially during the few, somewhat mundane, where the story slowed a tad.

This short book is an absolute must listen for all those with an interest in that historical era. I would also recommend it for anyone looking for a little something different to listen too. Clearly and entertaining way to learn something new. A review copy of this audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in return for this unbiased review. If you found this review helpful, please take a moment to click yes below.

Well Written Slice of History

I enjoyed listening to this well written historical story. It had just the right amount of history woven with stories of people who lived during the time period.