Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean

The book seems more like an expanded magazine piece rather than a thorough treatment of this fascinating man and his amazing project.

Yes, buy the book, but don't expect a Steven Ambrose-like treatment of the subject (considering my opinion of Ambrose's writing ability this is faint praise indeed).


Bio of Flagler with a dash of railroad   January 1, 2003
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This really reads more like a short bio of Flagler, rather than delving into the nitty gritty of how the railroad got built. Particularly when you compare it to a book like David McCullough's on the contemporary building of the Panama Canal, it seems quite thin. Two of the chapters in fact focus on the famous Labor Day hurricane, which essentially led to the railroad's demise. But for a quick overview of the man and his greatest project, it is a good read.


Nonfiction that reads like a novel.   December 9, 2002
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

"Last Train to Paradise" is a nonfiction account of the construction of the railroad connecting Key West to the Florida mainland, a project headed by Henry Flagler.

It is a well-researched and documented history of an exciting time in the exploration and development of Florida that reads like a novel.

Building a railroad over 150 miles of water under the harshest of conditions was the vision of one man, Henry Flagler. Mr. Flagler used his personal fortune to make this dream come true.

When he first arrived in Florida he was the second wealthiest man in the country. His fortune was made in partnership with John Rockefeller and the creation of Standard Oil.

The ingenuity necessary to accomplish this task is absolutely incredible. The obstacles overcome included the brutal weather (heat and hurricanes), having to import every item from drinking water to food to nails.

As I read the story I found the task more impossible with each accomplishment along the way. The closer they got to their objective, the more unattainable I thought the goal was. They truly did the impossible.

That Mr. Flagler and his crew succeeded is a testament to the pioneer spirit of America.

Dr. Standiford has written a fast paced book. He is a wonderful story teller. It is where truth and fact is so improbable, that one could not make up a superior fictional account.

The photographs are a wonderful addition.

With all the scandals in business today, it is enlightening to read the story of a man who put his reputation and own money on the line for what he believed in.

As Dr. Standiford said: "Henry Flagler evolved from acquisitive robber baron to creator."

Henry Flagler may not have discovered Florida, but he saw all the state's possibilities and created the framework and infrastructure that made Florida livable.


Couldn't put it down   October 6, 2002
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I loved this book. Standiford is a tremendous storyteller, as good as Sebastian Junger, or David McCullough. The rise and fall of the Key West railroad, which was built over 150 miles of water by tycoon Henry Flagler, is a story I knew little about. Great fun and I learned a tremendous amount as well. One warning--be prepared to go to work a little bleary-eyed tomorrow--you won't be able to put this down until the last hurricane has hit...