[Item #5354] Shrine of the Water Gods: Silver Springs, Florida. Carita Doggett Corse.
Shrine of the Water Gods: Silver Springs, Florida
Shrine of the Water Gods: Silver Springs, Florida
Shrine of the Water Gods: Silver Springs, Florida

Shrine of the Water Gods: Silver Springs, Florida

Silver Springs, FL: Carita Doggett Corse, 1938. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. "Water Worship holds first place in the primitive religions of the world. It was the first of all things, the parent of all things. Even the gods themselves were born of water. Adoration of springs, or rather of the spirits that ruled them, prevailed everywhere among the American Indians, and a grove by a spring provided a ready-made shrine. Of all the regions best fit for water worship, the ancient province of Ocali (earliest Indian name for middle Florida) ranks highest. Some new geographical term should have been invented to describe this expanse of lakes, rivers, sinkholes, and giant springs, for it has more water than solid ground. And in the center of this aqueous land, as within a charmed circle, rises the greatest of springs, whose influence on the history of the native inhabitants was as profound as it was mysterious and carefully hidden" (from Prologue on pg. 1). Offered here is "Shrine of the Water Gods," a delightful obscurity authored by one Carita Doggett Corse detailing the history and prehistory of Silver Springs, Florida. Along with what is, in all sane estimation, estimable scholarship on the matter, the book is flush with illustrations and photographs (both 'old' and contemporary [which, for this book, means c. 1938]). Complete with original envelope in which the book was initially housed. Book in very fine condition with only minute shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge; mild rusting, bleeding to staples at interior & exterior; the year of publication, 1938, is written in thin black pen ink at top right-hand corner of front cover nearest uppermost fine-edge . Envelope in strong Good condition only significant age-toning, yellowing, rubbing creasing & both open & closed tears to top flap; year of publication also written near topmost fine-edge of envelope at center-right. Very Fine / Good [Envelope]. [Item #5354]

Price: $20.00