-- Well-researched, fascinating accounts of Florida Keys" life of the past two centuries -- As recently as 80 years ago, fewer than 300 Keys inhabitants tried to eke out a living without electricity, running water, radios, or telephones -- Accounts taken from old newspapers, letters, diaries, and government records, as well as interviews with old-time Keys natives -- Keys pioneers" occupations included salvaging wrecks, growing sponges, planting pineapples, making charcoal, and skinning sharks