{"product_id":"the-57-club-my-four-decades-in-florida-politics-florida-government-and-politics-9780813034638","title":"The 57 Club: My Four Decades in Florida Politics (Florida Government and Politics)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn inside look into the sausage-making process of Florida politics \"Karls descriptions of various aspects of the legislative process are superb. . . . His candid discussions of what it feels like to be on the losing side of a legislative vote or an election (in his case for governor) and how to move on afterward should be read and taken to heart by those contemplating political careers.\"--from the foreword by David Colburn and Susan McManus \"Lays bare the turbulent era of Florida politics in the 50s and 60s by telling the unvarnished story of how a few courageous men fought against segregationists and self-serving interests and laid the foundation for government in the sunshine. Through anecdotes--both humorous and serious--first-person accounts  and delightful descriptions of the people and places throughout the state  Mr. Karls book opens a wondrous window on this crucial time in Floridas political history.\"--Michael Foerster  former Hillsborough County director of communications Frederick Karls story portrays a group of Florida legislators and their political friends and enemies in a time of intense turmoil that marked the late 1950s and 60s in Florida. The 57 Club was the self-assigned name of the thirty-nine legislators first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1956. Karls fascinating autobiography not only recalls those years  when Florida was in the midst of a transformation away from its rural  racially segregated  Deep South roots  but also offers intimate details into a half century of public service. By sharing his own experiences and reactions  describing what he witnessed or heard along the way  and telling stories about friends and colleagues  Karl gives readers a front row seat to some of the most captivating and turbulent moments in twentieth-century Florida politics. His insights into how the legislature functions--from the politics of committee assignments to the usefulness of lobbyists  from the savvy use of rules on the floor to debating skills  from polite ways of punishing unethical colleagues to the use of humor to calm angry exchanges  and much more--all make for an absorbing tale. An inaugural volume in the series Florida Government and Politics  edited by David Colburn and Susan MacManus\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648193814581,"sku":"ByrdShop_0813034639","price":83.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780813034638.jpg?v=1781712292","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-57-club-my-four-decades-in-florida-politics-florida-government-and-politics-9780813034638","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}