The unique early path of public highereducation in Florida Inthis book, Carl Van Ness describes the remarkable formative years of highereducation in Florida, comparing the trajectory to that of other states and puttingit in context within the broader history and culture of the South. Central tothis story is the Buckman Act of 1905, a state law that consolidated governmentsupport to three institutions and prompted decades of conflicts over whereFlorida's public colleges and universities would be located, who would headthem, and who would manage their affairs. Van Ness traces the development of the schools thatlater became the University of Florida, Florida State University, and FloridaA&M University. He describes little-known events such as the decision tomove the University of Florida from its original location in Lake City, as wellas a dramatic student rebellion at Florida A&M University in response to attemptsto restrict Black students to vocational education and the subsequent firing ofthe president in 1923. The book also reflects on the debates regardingFlorida's normal schools, which provided coursework and practical training toteachers, a majority of whom were women. Utilizing rare historical records, VanNess brings to light events in Florida's history that have not been examinedand that continue to affect higher education in the state today.