An Afternoon with Laurence R. Samuel

Gain a deeper understanding of Miami’s evolution through a compelling conversation that explores the myths, milestones and underlying forces behind the city’s transformation.

On Sunday, September 7, Books & Books in Coral Gables will host An Afternoon with Laurence R. Samuel, who will discuss his new book, Making Miami: The Historic Rise of the Magic City (Pineapple Press, $24.95). Drawing on decades of urban growth, cultural shifts and political change, Samuel presents a comprehensive look at how Miami developed from a modest southern town into a globally recognized metropolis.

The book examines major drivers of Miami’s growth—particularly real estate and infrastructure—while also delving into lesser-explored issues such as environmental pressures, immigration, tourism and questions of race and class. From the 1920s land boom and the rise of Art Deco to World War II, postwar struggles and the explosive construction of the 1980s, Samuel traces a nuanced timeline that leads to the city’s current reinvention.

A longtime Miami resident, Samuel brings both scholarly insight and local familiarity to the discussion. He holds a PhD in American Studies, has been a Smithsonian Institution Fellow and is a regular contributor to Psychology Today.

The event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.