History of St. Augustine Florida

Whimsically Illustrated History of North America's Oldest City

By: Jesse W. Love

Narrated by: Josh Engel

The beautiful town of St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied city in North America. Founded in 1565, by Pedro Menendez, of Spain, it predates the Pilgrims at Plymouth rock by 42 years and the English settlement at Jamestown by 55 years. It's old town section with many classic stone and log pole buildings in excellent condition, and its magnificent Spanish fort the Castillo San Marcos, dating from 1672, herald St. Augustine as one of the most amazingly preserved historical towns in the Americas.

The History of St. Augustine is a highly enjoyable book to read. As one person complimented, "If history were this fun in school it would be everyone's favorite subject." Taking a unique approach, The History of St. Augustine leaves out all of the accounts of politics, which take up 80% of a usual history book. What remains are all of the exciting and interesting parts of history- the wars, treachery, battles, plagues, hurricanes, pestilences, uprisings, fires and pirates! Plus, insights into the fascinating characters of St. Augustine including Spaniards, French, English, Native Americans and others.

Making this wonderful history book even more enjoyable it is filled with whimsical cartoons loosely related to the historical narrative. Funny to both kids and adults, each cartoon also conveys a message about the unique history of marvelous St. Augustine, Florida.

©1995, 2013 Jesse W. Love (P)2014 Jesse W. Love

Great story!

Would you consider the audio edition of History of St. Augustine Florida to be better than the print version?

This book is a real pleasure, recommended for anyone interested in the history of St. Augustine Florida. In fact, even if you're not especially interested in the history of Florida you'll enjoy reading this book. It's like sitting on a porch and listening to a wry old timer, sitting in a rocking chair and smoking a pipe, telling you one entertaining tale after another.

A fascinating look into history!!!

What did you love best about History of St. Augustine Florida?

What I loved best about this book was its concise, in-depth, well rounded portray of St. Augustine. History has so many layers, and I believe this book did an excellent job of showing all the past layers of St. Augustine. The flow of the dialogue was excellent and easy to understand.

Who was your favorite character and why?

St. Augustine, Florida! Like many of other places in the United States of America it has a colorful history, and now I know its history and can appreciate it more. The city has endured a lot, and deserves a great book like this to easily reach tons of readers and have its story told. I have never been there before, but would like to visit now more than any other place.

What about Josh Engel’s performance did you like?

His fluctuating tone and rhythm kept me intrigued and entertained.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was exciting and entertaining! Through its crafty wording, I was able to create vivid images in my mind!

Any additional comments?

I love history! However, within the schools I've attended a lot of history has been omitted. I kind of wish the authors who wrote a lot of the history books I was forced to read growing up could be put on a stand to recite that ever so clever oath...."Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God.." This book was unbiased and detailed. After reading it I felt as if I got the truth.

A Love of True History - Florida

Short. informative and to the point. Great narration. The storytelling ties into key dates, people and places.

A vivid picture of St. Augustine.

What made the experience of listening to History of St. Augustine Florida the most enjoyable?

As a once Florida Native and a history buff I have always wanted to plan a road trip to St. Augustine with the family. I am planning on going back to Florida in May and St. Augustine will be one of the stops we have on the itinerary. Time is always limited these days with children and so on, as such I thought it might be best to look for an audio book the could I could listen too before visiting this magical place. I stumbled across the “History of St. Augustine Florida: Whimsically Illustrated History of North America's Oldest City,” by Author Jesse W. Love, and thought it would be a great way to learn more about this amazing historic destination.

The Audio Book was narrated beautifully, it was informative and well thought out as well as written. Total length is appx. 38 minutes and is filled with grand descriptiveness that took me on a historic adventure ride where I had the privilege of meeting fascinating characters the likes of which include: St. Augustine including Spaniards, French, English, Native Americans as well as many others.

Author Jesse W. Love has deffiniatly painted a vivid picture of what I consider to be the highlight of our trip. I am already imagining myself walking down the Spanish fort the Castillo San Marcos, that dates back to the 1600’s and retracing one of the oldest historical towns in America.

I cant wait for the trip to start and am so grateful for having the opportunity to listen to this fantasic desctiptive book that will help anyone who is interested in learning more about St. Augustine or like me, planning a trip.

Astounding job with this audio book. 5 Stars!

What other book might you compare History of St. Augustine Florida to and why?

Inferno by Dan Brown with Grand descriptiveness

What does Josh Engel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Grand descriptiveness that took me on a historic adventure ride

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

History in an Epic and Sweeping Fashion!

Enlightening!!

What did you love best about History of St. Augustine Florida?

I loved best, learning how in demand the territory was to many cultures, for various reasons.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of the characters were my favorite. I have actually learned interesting facts about the history of St. Augustine, Fl. I can now discuss what I learned at my next social gathering. Can't wait!!!

Have you listened to any of Josh Engel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe that I have listened to any of Mr. Engels performances before. Yet, I do look forward to listening to some of his other performances.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

My tag line would be, " the history of America is compelling".

Very Interesting!

I found this book to be extremely interesting and very informative! Don't be fooled, this isn't like the dull history lessons that you had to sit through in school by any means whatsoever! This book gives a very insightful and fun look at the history of St. Augustine. This would be especially helpful for those who may be planning a trip to Florida and would like to pay a visit to North America's Oldest City!

As for the narrator, I think Josh Engel was the perfect choice. His voice, as others have mentioned, is absolutely perfect for audio books and he really had me listening intently to all the information that was being presented. He wasn't too soft, nor was he ear-drum shatteringly loud and his voice had almost a soothing quality to it which in my opinion is always a plus when I'm reading before bedtime. And the most important part is that his voice wasn't dull or lifeless. There have been certain audiobooks where the narrator's voice is just so flat that I lose all interest in the book completely.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone whether you're a history buff, planning a trip or just simply in the mood for learning something new! You won't be disappointed!

Very Informative & Well Presented

Would you listen to History of St. Augustine Florida again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this book again. Up until listening to this book, I knew very little about St. Augustine. My main reason for getting this audio book is that my wife and I are planning a trip to Florida, and we were looking for interesting historical places to visit. We had no idea how much history was in St. Augustine until listening to this book. We were both captivated after the realization that St. Augustine was established before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There weren't any characters, as it was a history of St. Augustine.

Which character – as performed by Josh Engel – was your favorite?

There weren't any characters past the historical figures that developed St. Augustine. All were introduced and described greatly, which added to the history presentation.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Untold History of The United States

Any additional comments?

This was a very interesting audio book, and read very well. The narrator had a voice that was very easy to listen to, and the delivery while reading was great in my opinion.

Excellent narrative of St. Augustine, Florida. 😎

I found this book too be most informative, a great history lesson! enjoyed this narrative!

Who knew Florida was so interesting!

If you could sum up History of St. Augustine Florida in three words, what would they be?

interesting, surprising, drama-filled

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's a history book so there aren't characters as such. The town itself is the only constant throughout and it's story is so tumultuous! I don't think I ever realized how difficult it was for the settlers and their families.

What does Josh Engel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

intonation, a lovely accent/voice, a book I can 'read' while driving/working!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Mosquitoes really ARE the enemy! (and the natives, and the French, and the British, and sometimes the Spanish depending on who's side you're on ;))

Any additional comments?

If you aren't filled with admiration for settlers already, you will be after this. Not just the first ones to arrive and discover mosquitoes, or the second generation killed by natives, or the third who witness the complete destruction of their town, or the ones who rebuild it to see it ruined again.............given everything that happened to St. Augustine it's a miracle that it's still there!

Really interesting and enjoyable listen :)

It's like having your own personal tour guide!

My wife and I were just talking about going to Florida to see my parents, so I was surprised when I was offered "History of St. Augustine Florida" audio book by Jesse W. Love in trade for my honest review. I thought it would be nice to be able to show my folks around since they've lived in Ocala for 5 years and sill haven't seen much of Florida. I was really pleased to find that instead of just getting a history lesson about St. Augustine, I've got a virtual tour guide of the place!

This book is beautifully written by Jesse W. Love who does an incredible job of leaving out all the typical boring history stuff. What is left to tell are all the nitty-gritty, down-to-earth stories that really give you a feeling of what it must have been like since St. Augustine's founding 400 years ago. This audio book is not your typical dull history lecture. No, no, this is so much better than anything you've sat through in class.

This audio book is very well narrated by Josh Engel, who in my opinion has one of the best voices for audio books I've heard. Josh has a very smooth tone and is very easy to listen to. Combined with the author's unique style of recounting the fascinating history of this place, I think this audio book will be perfect to play as we drive around St. Augustine this summer with my parents. In fact, I think it will be much like having our very own tour guide!