Publisher's Synopsis
Miami at mid-century was simultaneously an escape from post-World War II middle America and one of its most characteristic places. It was a rapidly growing metropolis in its own right, one whose story parallels many others. But unlike others, it was crucially shaped by the desiresùreal, imagined or artificially inducedùof people from out of town. Miami was one of the few places where the nationÆs fantasies were played out on a grand scale. Miami modernism was characterized by an ascetic international style structure appliquÚd with thematic decorative elements. Morris Lapidus is reputed to have said of his famous hotels, ôno place like home.ö