The story of the early centuries of the Catholic Church in Florida, the oldest establishment of the Christian faith in the United States, is one of the most remarkable in Florida s more than 400 years of history. Michael Gannon first traces Florida s discovery by Catholics, their subsequent explorations, the Spanish settlements, and the evangelization of the Indians, followed by the tragic end of the missions and the temporary collapse of Catholic ascendancy during the British period. The story continues with the reappearance of Catholicism among Minorcan immigrants; the establishment by...

"A major compendium of the latest effort of a truly blue-ribbon group of scholars. . . . The volume is certain to be a classic among scholars of archaeology, history, and geography, not only in Florida and the Southeast, but among the large numbers involved in Spanish colonial research elsewhere."--Robert L. Hoover, California Polytechnic State University

"Continues brilliantly the pattern of excellence established by . . . pioneer mission scholars, with] much to appeal to the specialist as well as the layman. . . . a good deal of simple, direct, and very interesting writing."--Fred...

"Definitive, sprightly, well-written, and scholarly. . . . The author has succeeded in bringing the most famous Catholic cleric of the Confederacy to life."--Florida Historical Quarterly

"Here is a vibrant and unconventional bishop with arresting things to say on issues that are still alive in the American Church. . . . He has had the good fortune to have as his biographer a man who is at the same time a careful scholar and a writer with a keen sensitivity for the English language."--Commonweal

"Rebel Bishop is a welcome contribution to the history of...