With the much anticipated ALA convention fast descending upon New Orleans, Loki could not have picked a better time to link to this Books for Understanding New Orleans page. I think this might be the best New Orleans book list I've seen in a while. Although I can also think of a few titles that might improve it a bit. Here they are in no particular order:
The Last Hayride and Cross to Bear
John Maginnis
Two outstanding books covering the landmark Louisiana gubenatorial elections of 1983 and 1991. Each provides some great insight into the colorful career of four time Governor Edwin Edwards.
Earl of Louisiana
A.J. Liebling
I first mentioned this one way back in 2003. Liebling draws a compelling parallel between Louisiana and Mediterranean culture. He also recognizes the customary New Orleans Y'at accent as being reminiscent of Hoboken, New Jersey and describes Earl Long (who the national media viewed as something of a clown) as "the most effective liberal south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Frenchmen, Desire, Goodchildren and Other Streets of New Orleans
John Churchill Chase
I'm really surprised that this local classic was not on the list. It's a colorful study of New Orleans's history and folklore as reflected in the names of its streets.
The Lost German Slave Girl
John Bailey
A dramatic rendering of the story of Sally Miller, a German immigrant who was sold into slavery in New Orleans. Her legal battle for her freedom provides a window into the city's complex racial history as well as the truly byzantine nature of slave law. Reviewed in Gambit last year.
Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America
John M Barry
This book has been discussed ad nauseum in New Orleans (and mentioned way too many times on this site) over the past year. See my sloppy semi-review here and here.. and Oyster's more coherent thoughts here. Oh and read this book if you haven't yet done so.
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