“Bubble in the Sun: The Florida Boom of the 1920s and How It Brought on the Great Depression” by Christopher Knowlton offers a fascinating look at one of the most extravagant and speculative real estate bubbles in American history. Knowlton expertly traces the rapid rise and dramatic fall of Florida’s land boom during the 1920s, connecting it to the broader economic collapse that culminated in the Great Depression.

The book paints a vivid picture of Florida’s allure during the decade, when the state was transformed from a largely rural and swampy region into a hotspot for real estate speculation and luxury development. Driven by dreams of easy wealth and aggressive marketing campaigns, buyers from across the U.S. flocked to Florida, inflating property values to unsustainable levels. Knowlton chronicles the key figures of the era, from Carl Fisher, the visionary behind Miami Beach, to Addison Mizner, the architect who helped craft the opulent aesthetic of Palm Beach, capturing their roles in stoking the speculative frenzy.

What sets “Bubble in the Sun” apart is its ability to interweave personal stories with macroeconomic analysis. Knowlton shows how a combination of greed, hubris, and lack of regulation led to the inevitable collapse of the Florida real estate market, with devastating consequences. The book draws parallels between this boom-and-bust cycle and other speculative bubbles throughout history, including the housing crisis of 2008, making the narrative feel both historically rich and relevant to modern economic dynamics.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its detailed examination of the social and cultural impact of the boom. Florida’s transformation attracted a diverse mix of celebrities, opportunists, and investors, giving rise to a unique blend of glamour and excess that contributed to the period’s mythic status. At the same time, the bubble’s collapse reveals the darker side of speculative mania, as fortunes were lost and lives were upended.

“Bubble in the Sun” is a meticulously researched, engagingly written account that sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history. It not only explores how the Florida land boom helped pave the way for the economic unraveling of the 1930s but also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of speculative excess. Knowlton’s work is both a compelling history and a reminder of the cyclical nature of economic bubbles.

To Purchase a Copy of this Book, Click Here