Pelican Bestsellers

The South is predominantly Christian, yet a small Jewish community in Lexington, Mississippi has flourished and sustained its unique identity. This saga is the heartwarming history of the residents, the trials and tribulations that they faced, their ability to connect with the surrounding Christian communities, and the remarkable story of Berman himself. After the original publication of this book, Lexington honored him by creating a "Robert Lewis Berman" day. In times of uncertainty, this book brings a message of hope.

Filled with lullabies, folk tales, and playful rhymes, The Wee Scot Book: Scottish Poems and Stories is an open invitation to youngsters worldwide to join the Scots at playtime. These are authentic songs and tales from the Scottish childhood of author and illustrator Aileen Campbell. She combines fascinating English text with verses from the old Scots' language. She also illustrates each spread with a delightful watercolor, sometimes highlighting the landscapes of the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.

A Mecca for civilized drinking, a Waterloo for thirst. From a plot to hide Bonaparte in the home to its time as an Italian grocery, the "Napoleon House" enjoys a vibrant history. Today the Napoleon House serves fine wines and New Orleans cocktails fit for the emperor himself. Signature recipes are illustrated, including Napoleon House Bruschetta and the Pimm's Cup. Through historic quotes and luminous photography, one of the world's great bars comes alive on these pages.

A public menace to some and a local hero to others, the Crescent City's most notorious pirate left behind tales and adventures that will give young readers an insight into the life and history of the city during the early 19th century.

In that [Creek] war there was one man more conspicuous than any other-more relentless, more daring . . . and at the same time more brilliant in attack and defence, abler in counsel, and having greater skill in the field than any of his fellow-chiefs-a man who fought Jackson, Claiborne, Flournoy, Floyd, and Coffee, whose troops, coming from different
quarters of the country, surrounded him on every side and out-numbered him on every field; fighting them with credit to his own skill and daring, and with no little damage to these skilled enemies-a man of whom Jackson said, He is
fit to command armies.
This man was Red Eagle, or in his native Muscogee tongue, Lamochattee. William Weatherford, the Red Eagle, was born in Creek country, and born a chieftain. The exact date of his birth is not known, but as he was a man of about thirty or thirty-five years of age when the Creek war broke out in 1813, his birth must have occurred about the year 1780. . . .
He was . . . the son of an Indian woman, who belonged to the dominant family of the Wind; that is to say, she was a princess, her rank among the Creeks corresponding as nearly as possible to that of a daughter of the royal house in
a civilized monarchy. It was only when a great occasion aroused deep passions that Red Eagle spoke. Then his eloquence was overwhelming. He won his audience completely and bent men easily to his will. . . . He had vices, certainly, but they were the vices of his time and country, and there is no sufficient evidence that he carried them to excess, while his retention of physical and intellectual vigor afford the strongest possible proof of the contrary.
-from Chapters I and III

Set in post-Civil War North Carolina, The Leopard's Spots tells of the pain of surrender and the effort to rebuild and repair the war-torn and downtrodden South. It exposes the reality of social and race relations during Reconstruction.

A detailed history of a New Orleans landmark. Congo Square is an iconic location in New Orleans culture, filled with the echoes of jazz and the footsteps of modern dance. Brimming with the rich history of the city, this auspicious landmark traces its origins back to the 1740s. A popular gathering place for African-Americans, the square hosted public markets, musical events, and even the Congo Circus throughout its history. Johnson's detailed analysis of the development of the landmark places the deep-set culture of both the African-American community and the roots of New Orleans music firmly in the heart of Congo Square.

Originally written and published in 1970, the book is divided into two sections: one dealing with the Colonial Period (1723-1803), written by Samuel Wilson, Jr., and one on the American Period (1803-present), written by Leonard V. Huber.

Paul Malone visits 43 picturesque landmarks of New Orleans' famed Garden District to capture the grandeur of these mansions.

From the boardroom to the headlines!

From salesman to dealership owner, New Orleans-born billionaire Tom Benson started in business with cars, which paved the way for his other profitable enterprises that include banks, real estate, and the New Orleans Saints. Kathy Finn’s biography of this self-made tycoon reveals some of the mystery behind the legend. Beginning with his working-class childhood in New Orleans, Finn delves into the contention surrounding Benson, from the controversial near-relocation of the Saints to the dramatic legal battle with his daughter. Including interviews with friends, family, and acquaintances, this extensive compilation sheds light on the man behind the empire—his successes and his tragedies.

Martha Giddens Nesbit provides a contemporary take on Savannah food and parties with a casual appeal. Photographed in and around beautiful historic and modern homes in the city and at Tybee Beach, these great party dishes enhance traditional and fun Savannah celebrations. Chapters include a birthday dinner, christening party, oyster roast, Christmas dinner, and more.

A glimpse into the legacy of the "chief of chiefs."

Robert Nathanial Lee, known as Chief Robbe, was the first and only person to be named "chief of chiefs" by the Mardi Gras Indian Council. From his birth in 1915, Chief Robbe faced hardship and discrimination, but he always found a way to do what he believed in. By the end of his life in 2001, he had been the Big Chief of four different tribes, given a lecture at Yale University, and become a role model for generations of New Orleans black youth. Author Al Kennedy enhances the story of Chief Robbe's life with extensive detail and interviews from their personal relationship, creating a biography perfect for both New Orleanians and those who simply love the city.

Become a part of history with this interactive book about George Washington!

From the documents that drafted a nation to hand written notes from George Washington himself, this book is a treasure trove of historical information. Opening with a detailed description of Washington's death from a common infection and his harrowing final moments, each chapter is meticulously researched and documented with reference material and fascinating details of Washington's life. Inside hidden pockets and envelopes are documents, letters, and interesting facts guaranteed to keep even the most jaded readers enthralled as they learn about one of America's founding fathers and the first president of the United States.

Follow the story of one of America's most unique immigrant communities!

The Isleños of Louisiana, Spanish Canary Islanders who immigrated to Louisiana in the late 18th century, are one of the most unique ethnic groups in the American South. They are one of the best preserved immigrant cultures in the United States, having safeguarded their traditions into the 21st century. A key to this cultural preservation was the dance halls. Sustained into modern day by weekly dances in nightclubs and across St. Bernard Parish, this rich history is dying out as younger members of the community fail to pick up its traditions. Follow the history of the Isleños through their immigration to the 20th century Dance Hall Era that has become their legacy.

Leah Chase was raised in a small, country town across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. With the values instilled in her by devoted parents--hard work, faith and family--she soon grew into a woman to be reckoned with. In her roles as chef of the most popular Creole restaurant in New Orleans, nationally respected patron of the arts, and civic leader, she has influenced the world around her in important ways. Reading her story in this, her only biography, makes one think, "If she can do it, maybe I can too."

This compendium of crawfish information offers biological facts and scores of home-style recipes. The Louisiana seafood industry--past and present--is discussed and a fascinating essay about a day in the life of a crawfisher is included. Jerald Horst has worked in the seafood industry and he and his wife have collected and tested crawfish recipes for decades. From the birth of the crawfish industry in the 1800s to present-day obstacles to commercial fishing, this encyclopedic cookbook provides an abundance of history as well as recipes, health information, and Louisiana culture. Highlights include the mudbug's popularity explosion in the 1950s, an illustrated guide to peeling the crustacean, and "Four Star" recipes for Crawfish Omelets and Delta Crispy Crawcakes.