Great writers? Sure. But the answer we were looking for is that at one time or another, they all fell under the spell of the charming city of St. Augustine, Florida. Most featured the city and its people in works of fiction – but even if they never expressed it on paper, none could have escaped the allure and special atmosphere of this unique Florida location. Not one would have failed to be impressed by the haunting remnants of Spain’s vanished empire, the massive Moorish Revival architecture of Henry Flagler’s dream winter resort, or simply the unforgettable moonlight on the waters of Matanzas Bay.

Matanzas Press is dedicated to continuing the literary tradition of the Nation’s oldest city by presenting the work of writers who can proudly call St. Augustine their home. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find someone whose name can someday be added to the list of literary luminaries who have passed this way. Surely, it will be someone who has paused atop the ancient battlements of the Castillo de San Marcos and heard Spanish melodies “floating like incense” above the bright waters of the Matanzas.