ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas Burton “Tom” Rainey, Jr. was born on June 4, 1936, in Wauchula, Florida. After graduating from Hardee County High School in 1954, he served as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman with the Marine Corps until 1959. He earned a BA in History, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Florida in 1962, followed by a Ph.D. in History and Russian Studies from the University of Illinois in 1966.
From 1966 to 2018, Rainey taught Russian and Eurasian Studies at the University of Arkansas, Duke University, SUNY Buffalo, and The Evergreen State College. He has published numerous articles and two books on Russian, Eurasian, and Washington State history. He is currently Professor Emeritus at The Evergreen State College.
Rainey resides in Olympia, Washington, with his wife Nina Lee Carter and their cats, Dima and Alyosha. He makes annual trips to Florida, especially to his hometown of Wauchula and Sarasota.
REVIEWS
The detail, depth and creative imagery Rainey provides in this very personal story will make it a treasure for generations to come. It is truly a great story, well told.
JIM HIDY,
NASELLE, WA
I loved the personality and humor Rainey brought to the book. Its not what I expected from a career academician. In addition to being a good read, I learned a lot about the crackers' sub-culture and Florida.
SAM REED, FORMER WA SECRETARY OF STATE
Crackers in Paradise
combines a history of central Florida with a compelling account of Rainey's family. Rainey has given us a splendid volume of history & a scintillating personal commentary.
JOHN HUBBELL, KENT STATE UNIVERSITY