Louisiana

"Straightforward handling of.. . voodooism in all its manifestations."
--Kirkus Reviews

Originally published in 1946, this intriguing book examines the rites and beliefs associated with voodoo through the legends of the art--its charms, trances, rituals, and difficult-to-explain occurrences.

In this pictorial study, the author recounts the history of Carnival in New Orleans, bringing to life in photographs and in text the color, the pulse, and the pageantry that have earned for this annual extravaganza the distinction as "the greatest free show on earth!" Author Leonard Huber traces the evolution of carnival from its modest beginnings, including: Lavish balls during the American regime under Governor William C.C. Claiborne; The first masked parade in 1837; The first torchlight parade by the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857; The coming of Rex and Momus in 1872; Participation of royalty, including Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; The fiercely anti-Republican themes during the bitter years of Reconstruction; Modern innovations and the establishment of new krewes; Creation of the Rex doubloon in 1960. More than 160 photographs and drawings, many of them old and rare, illustrate the fast-moving narrative. One of Louisiana's leading historians, author Leonard Huber was a lifetime observer of Carnival and Mardi Gras. Many of the photographs and memorabilia reproduced in this volume are from his extensive private collection. He also wrote New Orleans: A Pictorial History, published by Pelican.

"A classical work."
-H. L. Mencken, early twentieth-century distinguished journalist, critic, and editor

From the story behind the Side Car Cocktail to the secret of perfect Mississippi Planter's Punch, this effervescent collection is a spirited romp through the history and recipes of New Orleans's most famous cocktails.
Concoct exotic beverages such as Pousse Caf', Vieux Carr' Cocktail, and Absinthe Anisette as you imbibe the lore behind these libations. These colorful stories, including the creation of the Ramos Gin Fizz and the origin of the word cocktail, are stimulating sips of the zest of the Crescent City.
Since its debut 1937, Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em has brought a twist of Bourbon Street to homes worldwide.

This presentation of the neighborhoods of New Orleans offers an expert's perspective on the city's architectural diversity and details, one block at a time. New Orleans Times-Picayune columnist Stephanie Bruno presents the best of her "StreetWalker" column in this illustrated resource. From the Garden District to Mid-City, each block included features photographs of the homes, a description of the buildings, and a map for easy access.

In 1984, the city of New Orleans hosted the last world's fair held in the United States.

Conceived as part of an ambitious effort to revitalize a dilapidated section of the city and establish New Orleans as a year-round tourist destination, it took more than 12 years of political intrigue and design changes before the gates finally opened. Stretching 84 acres along the Mississippi River, the fair entertained more than seven million guests with a colorful collection of pavilions, rides, and restaurants during its six-month run. While most world's fairs lose money, the 1984 New Orleans World's Fair had the dubious distinction of going bankrupt and almost closing early. However, the $350-million investment did succeed in bringing new life to the area, which is now home to the city's convention center and a bustling arts district.

The haunted history of the Crescent City!

Newly revised and updated, this installment in the much-acclaimed Ghost Hunter's Guide Series is designed for locals, new residents, and travelers seeking the haunted history of the Crescent City. Detailed descriptions and historical background of more than ninety locations guide readers to sites where they might encounter ghostly apparitions. Experience the French Quarter, famous cemeteries, the spirits of Commander's Palace and Arnaud's Restaurant, haunted theatres and plantations, and more as you never have before. This informative and thorough guide includes informative supplementary materials for those looking to have and document their own paranormal experiences.

Explore the city on the historic New Orleans streetcars!

The streetcar evokes a sense of nostalgia while representing the legacy of America's transportation history. Only in New Orleans can you ride the oldest operating streetcar line in America to reach some of the most interesting places in the city. With detailed maps of all current and anticipated street car lines across the city and stops along the way, this is a practical guide for both tourists and locals alike.

A glimpse into the wonders of the French Quarter.

The French Quarter has placed countless tourists and locals under its spell for centuries. From iconic sites like the St. Louis Cathedral to elegant, early nineteenth-century private residences, this striking collection of photographs reveals the vibrant and majestic world of the Vieux Carré. With 30 color photographs and full captions, this work transports you through the Quarter's most classic sites and hidden courtyards to uncover the true, enchanting spirit of the city.

Many never seem to have the time to make good-quality meals for their families. A slow cooker is a great solution. In this convenient cookbook, favorite New Orleans recipes have been adapted for cooking in this popular appliance.

A classic look at old New Orleans.

First published in 1948, this collection of Louisiana tales provides a vintage look at local history. From General Andrew Jackson to Marie Laveau to Paul Tulane, colorful legends of the early Crescent City convey a fascinating, antiquated landscape and its captivating traditions. Cajun's lively characters and locations etch an animated past in which the bayou of yesteryear is authentically recreated on every page.

Let the good times roll down in New Orleans! Read the secrets and origins of the beloved Mardi Gras.

New Orleans practically owns Mardi Gras, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who would deny it. The wild celebration brings thousands of tourists to Louisiana each year, but none of it would be possible without the carnival krewes. The backbone of this Big Easy tradition, different krewes put on extravagant paries and celebrations to commemorate the beginning of the Lenten season. Historic krewes such as Comus, Rex, and Zulu date back generations and have become part of New Orleans' greater history, but today, what was once an exclusive position has widened their reach and new krewes are inaugurated regularly to enrich the flavor of Louisiana's cultural melting pot. Through careful and detailed research of over three hundred sources, author and New Orleans native Rosary O'Neill explores this storied institution, its antebellum roots, and its effects in the twenty-first century.

Visit a Louisiana landmark that tells a big piece of the American story.

Fort Jesup was founded two centuries ago, a bulwark on the youthful nation's western frontier. During its long run as a military post, it was visited by over one thousand soldiers and officers, many of whom would make a lasting impact on American history. The long list of luminaries includes Presidents Zachary Taylor and Ulysses S. Grant, over forty officers who would become Civil War generals, and two Surgeons General, one of whom would treat Abraham Lincoln after he was shot. Thousands of settlers also passed through on their way to Texas, using the fort as a waypoint on their journey. As citadel and stopping post, Fort Jesup played a critical role during the nation's formative years. Author Scott DeBose shares the sprawling story of this Louisiana icon.

This lovely collection of 37 recipes features the pecan in appetizers, soups, salads, meats, and more. The popular nut grows naturally from Iowa all the way down to the Southeast and to Mexico.

America's most popular indigenous nut, the pecan offers a comfortingly rich and buttery flavor. Delicious in sweet, savory, and spicy dishes, the nut takes center stage. From the simple pleasure of roasted pecans to the more complex pairing of Speckled Trout with Pecan Meuniere, the dishes in this cookbook offer an enticing spectrum of tastes and treats to savor all year long.

Hit the gas pedal with your career!

Sheba Turk is an anchorwoman like no other. Strong and capable, she forged a path to her successful career with perseverance and hard work. She seized the opportunities given to her and overcame enormous obstacles along the way. In her timely and moving book, Turk shows us that we, too, can smooth that bumpy path using the wisdom earned in the early stages of her own career. She covers topics ranging from mentorship to establishing your own brand.

Off Air is perfect for anyone starting out on their own career path, particularly in media journalism or entertainment, or anyone interested in how to overcome their own obstacles, wherever their adventure may begin.

A forward by Turk's mentor, Soledad O'Brien brings this journey full circle and adds an extra level of inspiration.

Experience a cool splash of music history from the Bayou State!

This intensely personal and entertaining account is a snapshot of Blues from an outsider welcomed into the inner circles of Southern Blues icons. Englishman Julian C. Piper spent a year abroad at Louisiana State University and played blues primarily at the Blues Box in Baton Rouge. There he met many of the musicians with whom he conducted interviews between 1987 and 1988. Those interviews form the basis of this book. Through his close friendship with Blues Box owner Tabby Thomas and his son Chris, Piper collected stories of blues luminaries including Silas Hogan, Robert Pete Williams, Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, Lonesome Sundown, Chris Thomas King, Lightening Slim, and many more.

“This valuable companion to Dunces will be a treat to those who've enjoyed the novel.”

—Larry Thornberry, Washington Times

Before it won the Pulitzer Prize and became an international bestseller, A Confederacy of Dunces was a rejected manuscript by an unknown New Orleans professor named John Kennedy Toole. It languished in a closet after Toole's suicide for years until his mother discovered it. Almost as compelling as the novel's plot is the story of the book's publication and Toole's posthumous winning of the Pulitzer Prize, driven by the indomitable will of his mother. From personal letters, contemporary journals, and family photos, author Joel L. Fletcher recalls his friendship with Toole during the early 1960s and his long, supportive friendship with Toole's mother, Thelma Ducoing Toole.