New Book Captures Amelia's
History Through the Lens

The pictorial history of Amelia Island has never looked better.

Local author and lifelong Fernandina Beach resident Rob Hicks compiled over 200 images for his new book that highlights the unique and colorful history of the island.

The book, simply titled Amelia Island, is part of the "Images of America" series from Arcadia Publishing, the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.

Hicks hopes readers of his photographic history book "come to appreciate that Amelia Island's history is much richer than a lot of other locales" and that "this is a special place that was shaped by a wide array of impressive and influential people."

Highlights in the book include: the rise and fall of Fernandina at a time when it was among the most important cities in the state; a look at the people that played key roles in helping the state recover from the Civil War; and discussion on the factors that led to the decline of Fernandina's Golden Age.

Rob scoured the archives at the Amelia Island Museum of History while conducting research for his book, looking through countless photographic and artistic collections for images. He also spent time at the Florida State Archives and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History in Gainesville.

Rob Hicks is a 1997 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, where he currently teaches English and television production. He also holds degrees in Advertising and English from the University of Florida.

Amelia Island, $19.99, Arcadia Publishing. Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888) 313-2665 or their website at www.arcadiapublishing.com.