Pelican Publishing

This volume features more than 300 authentic recipes straight from the kitchens of Creole Louisiana.

From Lobster Salad to Baked Stuffed Oysters and Crawfish Bisque, this compilation of recipes offers the best of New Orleans cuisine. Chef Lena Richards pulled inspiration from her southern roots and her experience in the catering business, to create delectable dishes. In addition to recipes, this comprehensive cookbook offers menu ideas for both formal and informal dinners.

Have you ever wondered how to make Crawfish Bisque or Baked Stuffed Oysters? Find out from an experienced caterer and cooking school owner who decided to share her secrets. In New Orleans, creating a fine dining experience and enjoying it is an art. This book teaches the ambitious cook how to create that art.

From cocktails, to compotes, to pastry and pies, this cookbook offers a bit of everything. Ideas for menus for both formal and informal dinners are also included. So get adventurous and have some fun creating some New Orleans favorites!

The Cajun language, spoken by the decendants of exiled Acadians, has been passed on by word of mouth for more than two hundred years. Cajun French is still widely spoken throughout Louisiana, despite threat of extinction and the controversies associated with including the language in school curricula. Conversational Cajun French I, the first systematic approach to teaching the language, makes Cajun French accessible to those born outside Cajun families and works to preserve the Cajun language and culture.

An extremely practical introduction to Cajun French, this resource focuses on everyday words and common phrases that can be understood everywhere the language is spoken, regardless of the various dialects and subdialects. The Cajun words for the days and months, holidays, parts of the body, numbers, clothing, colors, foods, animals, fruits and vegetables, tools, and plants, as well as a section of useful expressions and a list of traditional Cajun names, are among the elements included.

The book—designed for use in conjunction with the companion compact discs or audio download—includes a pronunciation guide to enable even the beginning student to converse with Cajuns. Narrated by author Randall P. Whatley, the CDs and download clarify the nuanced pronunciation necessary to learn this beautiful and, until now, elusive language.

In these classic, fascinating, and often terrifying tales--Mardi Gras Indians, Baby Dolls, the Zulu King, Loup Garou, and the headless horseman of Natchitoches--all share the stage. Ghost stories from around Louisiana mingle with the true horrors of figures such as the infamous New Orleans Axeman. Learn stories of the Creoles and Cajuns, Southern church traditions, Voodoo rituals, hexes, and charms.  Gumbo Ya-Ya, everybody talks at once, expresses the tension between refinement and profanity, the sacred and the sensual--which defines Louisiana culture to this day. This 80th Anniversary Pelican Publishing unabridged edition's contents are wholly true to the 1945 original edition. First commissioned as a project of the Works Progress Administration Louisiana Writers' Program, it has stood the test of time and is a book beloved by historians, locals, and visitors.

This second cookbook from Leah Chase not only comes with her famous recipes, but it also contains her reflections on life, business, family, and friends. Now in paperback, the collection includes menus for special events.

The iconic restaurant famous for Breakfast at Brennan's was a Creole favorite and New Orleans staple for decades before its closure in 2013. Now available in paperback, these classic recipes are sprinkled with both family and restaurant history and seasoned with the original illustrations. This collection is a must for everyone with a craving for true New Orleans flavor!

Once hailed as one of America’s greatest restaurants, Brennan’s in New Orleans was known worldwide as a home of fine cuisine. “Breakfast at Brennan’s” was a longstanding tradition on par with “dinner at Antoine’s,” and the restaurant was famed for its culinary inventions. Recreate the elegance at home with this classic collection of the Brennan family’s distinctive Creole recipes, first issued in 1961. Author and columnist Hermann B. Deutsch recounts the fascinating rise of the Brennan clan, telling how a family of poor Irish immigrants rose to become the premier restaurateurs in New Orleans. Numerous illustrations document the history of the family and their iconic restaurant.

Includes 150 iconic Brennans recipes like:

• Bananas Foster
• Trout Amandine
• Pompano en Papillote
• Eggs Benedict

Set in a Louisiana bayou and told in Cajun dialect-de chirren been nezzle/Good snug on de flo'--the poem has lively illustrations that perfectly suit the unique text.
-Horn Book

Rice is especially good with facial expressions, whether they are on a Texas jack rabbit, a longhorn steer, a dusty cowboy, or the green and long-nosed alligator named Gaston.
-Library Journal

It's the night before Christmas in a tiny shack on the Louisiana bayou, and Santa Claus, with his eight friendly alligators and toy-laden skiff, is on his way. Written in lively Cajun accents, the best-selling Cajun Night Before Christmas� is a beloved holiday classic. Now, with this innovative coloring book, children of all ages can put their own colorful spin on the story. These brilliant illustrations are sure to inspire some wide Cajun smiles.

Discover the origins of "second breakfast" in New Orleans.

Originally published in 1900 from the handwritten notes of Mme. Bégué herself, this collection of dishes from a quintessential New Orleans restaurant are now available in a reprint of the 1937 edition.

A chronicle of the rise and development of a unique musical form.

Inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame under its original title Walking to New Orleans, this fascinating history focuses on the music of major R&B artists and the crucial contributions of the New Orleans music industry. Newly revised for this edition, much of the material comes firsthand from those who helped create the genre, including Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Wardell Quezergue.

Based on exclusive interviews with over 120 groundbreaking musicians, Craig Harris has crafted what feels like the first truly comprehensive history of bluegrass. His research and never-before-seen photos make Bluegrass a new authority on the genre’s strongest influencers. It is arranged chronologically from Bill Monroe in 1927 to the Earls of Leicester today. Highlights include entertaining facts and anecdotes about Flatt & Scruggs, Del McCoury, Doc Watson, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and more. Casual readers and mountain-music buffs alike will come away with a rich understanding of the roots and evolution of this uniquely American sound.

Strange True Stories of Louisiana is Cable’s compilation of seven unusual, factual accounts of life and history in the area. They include tales of two French sisters who made the dangerous trek to the unsettled lands of North Louisiana at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Focusing on New Orleans, Cable adds the story of “The ‘Haunted House’ in Royal Street” and evil socialite Madame LaLaurie, which spurs the imaginations of ghost hunters more than a century after its original writing. There is also a diary account, in its first published form, of a Union woman trapped behind the battle lines during the Civil War.

At the turn of the century, people outside of New Orleans viewed the city through the eyes of journalist and author George Washington Cable. His writings portrayed a tropical European city nestled on the banks of an American river still teeming with the literary, artistic, and social developments of a late Renaissance. In his own romance with Louisiana, Cable came upon many stories written by its denizens. While Cable assisted some authors in finding places to publish their works, there were many stories he kept for himself. Much of this collection can be found in Strange True Stories of Louisiana.

“They are mine by right of discovery,” writes Cable. “From various necessities of the case I am sometimes the story-teller, and sometimes, in the reader’s interest, have to abridge; but I add no fact and trim naught of value away. Here are no unconfessed ‘restorations,’ not one. In time, place, circumstance, in every essential feature, I give them as I got them—strange stories that truly happened, all partly, some wholly, in Louisiana.”

INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS BEST REGIONAL NONFICTION OF THE SOUTH GOLD MEDAL

“When an elderly couple is charged with murder in the drowning deaths of thirty-five bed-ridden residents of St. Rita’s Nursing Home, an emotional edge-of-your-seat thriller takes off like a shot! The players: a wily and profane defense lawyer, a ferocious prosecutor, vengeful families of the victims, and a ravenous media that brands the defendants ‘Monsters of Hurricane Katrina.’ My advice—block out enough time to read this wonderful book in one sitting.”
—John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

  “A passionate and personal book, artfully constructed.”
—Washington Post

  “A war story of jurisprudence. . . . a book you wish wouldn’t end.”
—Daily Beast

Accelerated Reader® Selection

Jake and his library book are in a sticky situation in this cumulative tale, an original adaptation of the classic The House That Jack Built. There's the jelly mishap that leads to the hungry rat, whose luck runs out when he's chased by the cat, all before a dog shows up and, well, that's that for the book that Jake borrowed! Will the librarian Jake adores let him have another book? Find out in this hilarious tale filled with hijinks narrated in mixed-media collages and text from Texas librarian extraordinaire Susan Holt Kralovansky!

Repetitive phrases and simple choruses make this an easy beginning for young readers, while the cut paper and fabric collage illustrations add humorous depth to the sequence of unfortunate events surrounding Jake's library book.

Selección de Accelerated Reader®

Jake y su libro de la biblioteca están en una situación complicada en esta historia acumulativa, una adaptación original del clásico La casa que Jack construyó. Hay el percance de jalea que lleva a la rata hambrienta, cuya suerte se agota cuando es perseguido por el gato, todo antes de que aparezca un perro y, bueno, ¡eso es todo para el libro que Jake pidió prestado! ¿La bibliotecaria que Jake adora le prestará otro libro? ¡Descúbrelo en esta divertida historia llena de travesuras narrada en collages de medios mixtos y textos de la bibliotecaria extraordinaria de Texas Susan Holt Kralovansky!

Frases repetitivas y coros simples hacen de este un comienzo fácil para los lectores jóvenes, mientras que las ilustraciones de collage de papel cortado y tela añaden profundidad humorística a la secuencia de eventos desafortunados que rodean el libro de la biblioteca de Jake.

In writing Civil War in the Ozarks, the late Phillip W. Steele and Steve Cottrell extensively researched the battles on the western front that took place between 1861 and 1865. They looked at the heroes, outlaws, and peacemakers who influenced the role the Ozarks played in the war between the states.

A captivating visual guide to New Orleans's history!

Hailed as being one of the most comprehensive collections of photos, paintings, and drawings on its release in 1971, this educational and entertaining selection is now in paperback! From the city's French and Spanish beginnings to American forces fighting off British soldiers in the War of 1812, this is truly a fascinating compilation. These pages chronicle major historical moments along with the architecture, jazz, scandals, duels, cuisine, and fine arts that make New Orleans an amazing city to behold.

Possibly the longest Jewish survival account of the Holocaust. An inspirational story lingers behind tales of horror witnessed by thirteen-year-old Mayer Hersh in the labor camps of Nazi Germany. In what is possibly the longest recorded survival of its kind, Hersh would spend a total of 5 years and 2 months in 9 separate labor camps before his liberation in 1945. During this time, Hersh would lose 100 members of his immediate and extended family, witness countless inhumane acts, and live constantly on the brink of starvation. Yet, as author Colin Rushton marvels, he tells his story without bitterness, without rancor, and without hatred because, in a wonderful way, and quite literally, his humanity has triumphed over all the evil he has witnessed and suffered. This tale of a boy's release from Hell ends with a confrontation of the past during his return to Auschwitz in 2002.

Color your way through the Mississippi Gulf Coast—wildlife, cities & islands come alive!

Take a trip along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, see and read about what makes each city unique. Explore the barrier islands and catch site of the birds, reptiles, and insects that make this place their home. Enjoy 40 pages of hand-illustrated drawings with information in which you can add your touch of color.

Focuses on the Bayou Road, which was lined with the country seats and residences of the city’s earliest settlers.

Many Irish-Americans today know little about Ireland and their ancestry. Historian Juilene Osborne-McKnight presents Irish-American history in a compelling narrative form, accented with photographs, illustrations, and original, literary interludes. Osborne-McKnight pays homage to her ancestry in this chronicle of the Irish from ancient times to contemporary America.

More than forty million people consider themselves Irish-American, and yet most of them do not truly understand the rich cultural history of their ancestors. From prehistoric times to the emigration of the Irish to Amerika, this broad, yet comprehensive, history gives a general overview of the deep history of Irish-Americans. Intricate Celtic illustrations accent each section, weaving a visual and stimulating picture of Irish history.

The book includes such interesting topics as:

• The four cycles of Irish storytelling

• Ancient Celtic legends of shapeshifting and Fair Folk

• The six Gaelic languages and their relation to one another

•The Gallic Wars with Julius Caesar

•The Anglo-Norman invasion

• The sacred ceremonies and religious beliefs of the Druids

• The real story of St. Patrick

• The Great Famine brought on by British involvement

• The mass exodus of Irish to America

• The struggle for Irish-Americans to rebuild their lives upon new soil, in an unwelcome land.

Revealing historical tales of the Southern mystique.,

“From various necessities of the case I am sometimes the story-teller, and sometimes, in the reader’s interest, have to abridge; but I add no fact and trim naught of value away. . . . In time, place, circumstance, in every essential feature, I give them as I got them—strange stories that truly happened, all partly, some wholly, in Louisiana.”

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.

Fast, easy, and economical, the recipes in Microwave Cooking for One are ideal for individuals, whether they live alone or share busy modern households. From breakfast through dinner, fresh, delicious meals can be prepared to satisfy personal tastes without wasted food, overheated kitchens, or messy clean-up.

This cult favorite has been featured by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Washington Post, The Mindy Project, BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, About.com, Dangerous Minds, Anorak, SF Weekly, Livestrong, Nutrition Know How, Serious Eats, and more.

This uniquely practical guide to wholesome and efficient cooking emphasizes the importance of measured portions, careful timing, and the right utensils when cooking with a microwave. Inexperienced chefs will be able to cook like professionals with these more than three hundred easy-to-follow recipes. As an extra bonus, included are instructions for easily doubling or tripling a recipe when you need more to go around.

Dishes include Flounder with Stuffing, Flaky Homemade Biscuits, Momma’s Chicken Cacciatore, and Pound Cake. Discover a world of convenience for every meal of the day!

An intimate introduction to this legendary lawman.

A no-nonsense lawman on a crusade against the mobsters and murderers ruling the state line between Mississippi and Tennessee in the 1960s, Sheriff Buford Pusser was larger than life. The subject of four feature films and a television series, the McNairy County sheriff gained international notoriety as a fearless law enforcement officer who let nothing get in his way. Buford Pusser's daughter presents the life story of the legendary sheriff from her perspective.

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.

Autobiography of an Old West outlaw. Known for his scandalous career as a train and bank robber, Emmett Dalton remains a significant figure in American Old West history. This candid autobiography details his years with the Dalton gang, his courtship of Julia Johnson, and the fourteen years he served in prison. Peppered with anecdotes, this book provides a peek into the mind of an outlaw.

Whoa, pardner! Sit y'self down for some good ole storytellin' 'bout the wild, wild West. Western writer Phillip W. Steele and country-music artist John D. LeVan have combined their talents and interests in true stories of the Old West in this exciting narrative and accompanying audiocassette.

Steele's book tells the true story of Jesse James, the Daltons, John Wesley Hardin, Gunfight at the OK Corral, Belle Starr, and Billy the Kid. LeVan's original songs are not only entertaining but also based on the true history of these personalities and events.

Lloyd Vogt, an award-winning New Orleans architect, offers young people a fascinating glimpse into the history of New Orleans architecture. Dividing his discussion into two parts--house types and house styles--he provides a basic yet comprehensive first course in New Orleans building design in a language designed for easy understanding. Also provided are labeled drawings for style identification, and a complete glossary.

This section of Uptown New Orleans gets its name from the various colleges and universities, including Tulane and Loyola, that have existed within its boundaries. The architecture of this area ranges from the Gothic universities to the grand mansions of St. Charles Avenue to the modest shotgun homes and cottages scattered around the perimeter.

Many heroic actions were taken by Hispanic soldiers who have not gotten much recognition for their efforts.

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.

From a brave American veteran comes an eyewitness account of a gruesome chapter in World War II history.

Captured when America surrendered the Philippines’ Bataan Peninsula, James Bollich experienced first-hand the march that cost more than 8,000 American and Filipino lives. Now, he shares the unforgettable experience of his three and a half years of Japanese imprisonment.  

This journal relates his personal experience, first focusing on the sixty-five-mile march that deprived prisoners of food, water, and rest. Prisoners received harsh punishments for any infraction, one of the most brutal of these being the policy of beheading them for taking a sip of water. Rather than force him to give up, these things made Bollich fight for life even more. Witnessing his comrades falling beside him and watching his own body waste away to ninety pounds, he never yielded his will to survive.

After completing the march, he remained a prisoner of war, first at an old Philippine army base, then in another camp at Mukden, Manchuria. He relates his imprisonment in detail, from starvation and torture to digging their own comrades graves in the hot sun, without hats or water. Through it all, he remained courageous and hopeful that he would one day make it back home. His story reminds both past and present generations of the horror and brutality of the Pacific war, all the while providing an inspiring testament to the will of the human spirit.

This journal recounts the 65-mile journey, during which prisoners had no food, water, or rest. The author survived the POW camps on the Philippine island of Luzon.

Kelsi Fairgate, a fourth grader and only child living on a ranch in the middle of Texas, awaits the end of the school year. When her parents bring in an orphan lamb from a pasture, her prospects for the summer look up. Kelsi and her friend, Ampara, run into some serious rattlesnake trouble one day. The lamb saves Kelsi, but then it is the girls’ turn to try to save the lamb!

Use this as your roadmap to Jewish immigration in New York!

Featured sites are divided by their location, traveling from the south to the farthest northern tip of Manhattan. Each section provides a map of the area and a broad introduction to the district's place in the historic timeline of Jewish immigration. The author provides suggested itineraries, tips for the visitor, and reference notes for further exploration, while a historical introduction provides the framework for locals and visitors of every religion and nationality. Vintage photos provide historic illustrations.

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.

A Taste of the New Orleans supernatural

A bloody romp through the French Quarter, including over 30 delectable recipes by Chef Chris Dunn

New Orleans is filled with mysteries and legends. Ghosts that haunt our city, rougarou (a werewolf-like creature that dwells in the swamps), and vampires. Maidens who were sent from France in 1721 to help colonize the city but were mysteriously turned to vampires on the ship before their arrival. There are also witches—some with remedies and some with curses. They say New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures. If one delves deep into this melting pot, they may just find the supernatural pulling them in deeper still until the food tastes like their favorite memories of home cooking, the unexpected becomes commonplace, and the sharp pain on their neck has them lusting and longing for their lover. Mosquito–Southern Vampires, originally released one chapter at a time as a penny dreadful, is a melting pot of the supernatural. To help create an immersive, mystical experience, at the end of each chapter is a recipe by Chef Chris Dunn from the New Orleans Vampire Café or the Vampire Apothecary, both located in the mysterious beating heart of the old French Quarter.

Marita Woywod Crandle, author and historian, has a passion for historical fiction. She has written several history books as research for her historical fiction work, including New Orleans Vampires: History and Legend and Josie Arlington’s Storyville: The Life and Times of a New Orleans Madame. Crandle also owns several vampire-themed businesses in the New Orleans French Quarter, including Boutique du Vampyre, and two restaurants, The New Orleans Vampire Café and Boutique du Vampyre’s Apothecary. Both restaurants share the same executive chef, Chef Chris Dunn, who offers many of his recipes in this book. Chef Chris creates meals that are decadently delicious, with elegant presentation—the way a vampire would host his mortal guests.

Enjoy big Cajun flavors without the guilt!

Forget the myth that because it tastes great, it can’t be good for you. Culinary dietician Shelley Marie Redmond has done all the work and research to marry the authentic and delicious flavors of Louisiana cooking with principles of healthy eating. A list of pantry essentials forms the cornerstone of her plan and offers substitutes for ingredients high in carbohydrates (like Greek yogurt instead of butter). A shopping guide helps you to plan a successful and efficient trip to the grocery store. Recipes for such flavorful dishes as Mardi Gras Mambo Cajun Rice Dressing and Skinny Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta let you celebrate the best of Louisiana’s eats without the worry of compromising your health!

Shelly Marie Redmond is a culinary dietitian, media personality and founder of the Skinny Louisiana brand. She is a partner in Eberhart Physical Therapy, where she works with clients on food-related issues.

Veteran food columnist and cookbook author Marlyn Monette writes for The Times in Shreveport and is a frequent guest on television cooking programs. She liberally laces her recipes with amusing family stories.

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.

America's leading authority on Halloween presents interviews with spooky rock groups, amateur vampires, haunted house creators, champion pumpkin carvers, and more, all in the quest of explaining the nation's unique love affair with this holiday. The collection of essays and interviews explores the pop culture phenomenon that is Halloween, and why we celebrate it the way we do today.

From the bloody Battle of Wilson's Creek in August 1861 until surrender in June 1865, the Civil War in the Indian Territory proved to be a test of valor and endurance.

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.

“History in its most painless form . . . lightened not only by cartoons but by narrative approach.”—New York Herald Tribune

The history of New Orleans is a street-level story, with names like Iberville, Terpsichore, Gravier, Tchoupitoulas, and, of course, Bourbon, presenting the city’s past with every step. The late John Churchill Chase eloquently chronicles the origins and development of the most fascinating of American cities in this humorous masterpiece.

Frenchmen, Desire, Good Children details the interesting stories of the developers and families as well as the infamous and famous people, places, and events from which the city’s names and character are drawn. First published by now-defunct New Orleans publisher Robert L. Crager in 1949, the book remains funny and informative, generally accepted as a standard reference about the Crescent City.

Throw me out there, mister!

When Carnival rolls around in New Orleans, everyone gets into the celebration—including the beads! On Fat Tuesday, a plain string of little purple beads hangs from a hook on a parade float. His fervent wish is to be caught by someone special. The bigger and fancier beads tell him that no one will ever catch him. But a little hope and determination may go a long way in the magical season of Mardi Gras! When the bead spots a little princess in the crowd, he knows she is the person for him! Will she try to catch him? The heartwarming tale offers opportunities for a discussion of bullying, self-worth, and inclusion with young readers. The delightful story and illustrations from this daughter/father team will charm the entire family and become a parade route favorite!

Raised in New Orleans, Julie P. Rowley holds a master’s of education in early childhood curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. Her stories were inspired by her daughter’s imagination.

A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, John R. Paquette is a retired editor. He is also a professional vocalist and a talented portrait artist and illustrator. He enjoyed collaborating with his daughter.

This book includes difficult-to-find information about significant Oklahoma outlaws who lived and worked during the 100-year period �from horseback to Cadillac.� While criminal history within Oklahoma is the focus, famous crimes committed elsewhere by Oklahomans, such as the Barker Gang, Wilbur Underhill, and Machine Gun Kelly, as well as Oklahoma connections to legendary outlaws like Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson are also mentioned.

Covering everything from Acadians to Yellow
Fever, Bernard Romans exhaustively addressed daily life in Florida and minutely
described its natural features-but he also did much more. He was copious in
conveying the manners and customs of the native Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek
Indians, including, despite their bad traits, one common outstanding virtue:
hospitality. Romans also notes the habits and character of the colonists and
comments on the prevalence of drinking. By focusing his attention on even the
most minute detail, Romans has given us a fascinating, true account of early
Florida.
According to the Library of Congress, the variety of natural,
aboriginal, historic, and miscellaneous information which [the book]
graphically gives is far more original than a great many pioneer
histories. Originally published in 1775, this rare work was first
reprinted by Pelican in 1961.

In this comedic novel set in New Orleans in the late 1980s, an inveterate lottery player will risk everything—except gainful employment—to strike it rich. Filled with local-flavored humor, it features engaging, unforgettable characters and a unique plot that offers insights into fate, faith, and the vagaries of life. 

Better than a bucket list—a guide to growing your faith!

The demands of modern society often create distance between Catholics and their cultural heritage. Earl J. Higgins, a New Orleans native and lifelong Catholic, offers ways to embrace Catholic influences in everyday life. Suggestions range from such simple activities as putting a “Keep Christ in Christmas” bumper sticker on your car to more devout practices, including lighting an Advent wreath or making the Sign of the Cross in times of trial and joy. In addition, Higgins provides historical backgrounds on Catholic holidays such as Mardi Gras. Feeling like you’re drifting from your faith? From the St. Joseph’s Day Altars to Midnight Mass, let these 100 tips reconnect you!

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.

New in paperback!

Justin Wilson made his mark as a storyteller and humorist—a goodwill ambassador of the Cajun culture of South Louisiana. He took a culture slur and made it a label of distinction, proudly identifying himself, and his cooking, as “Cajun.” For this, his final retrospective, Wilson reminisces about times gone by, the recipes he created, and the evolution of his cooking style. He features delicious original recipes, including some healthy and convenient options, and his famously funny anecdotes. Complementing such tasty tidbits are photos that capture the essence of this loveable Cajun icon. Now in paperback, this classic is sure to help you “pass a good time.” I GARONTEE!

From 'Haute Creole' entrées to hearty red beans and rice, Roy F. Guste's recipes make Creole cooking elegant and effortless. Within these 100 recipes lies the key to the true flavor of Louisiana's Creole food: simplicity of process and fresh ingredients.

Introducing the best of Louisiana cookery from restaurateur and French-trained chef Roy F. Guste, Jr. In The 100 Greatest New Orleans Creole Recipes, Guste presents a selection of choice recipes ranging from “Haute Creole” entrées like daube glacée to hearty red beans and rice. For generations, these dishes have graced the tables of famous dining establishments and family kitchen tables alike, proving that they have universal appeal and popularity.

Chef Guste has simplified the steps of some his grander recipes, testing each one using only four saucepans, a skillet, and the bare minimum of utensils. The key to producing authentic Creole food, as he emphasizes, is the simplicity of the process and the freshness of ingredients. Follow these recipes and you can create the true flavor of Louisiana.

Accompanying these recipes are beautiful period illustrations, as well as reminiscences and anecdotes of the recipes’ origins that only a few other true Louisianians would know. With gumbos, bisques, blackened dishes, appetizers, drinks, and desserts, this book makes Creole dining elegant and effortless.

Cajun chef Jude Theriot has compiled what he considers the core recipes of Cajun cuisine. From boiled crawfish, crabmeat au gratin, and shrimp gumbo to chicken �touff�e, Chef Theriot has distilled the essence of Cajun cooking with his signature easy-to-follow, hearty recipes.

These stories reflect the Creole way of life during the transitory post-Civil War period.

Natives of Louisiana never miss a chance to cheer for their beloved Louisiana State University Tigers. Learn of the wins that struck fear into Tiger rivals and the losses that made LSU fans across the state cry. Photographs capturing iconic scenes and details exploring the fans, the players, and the stadium grace the pages of this compendium. Relive the amazing plays and game-winning touchdowns that made the Tigers a favorite team of the entire nation, and discover why Tiger Stadium is ranked among the loudest and most intriguing venues in the world.

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.

Uncover tales of the strange and supernatural in Central Louisiana.

New Orleans doesn’t hold a monopoly on Louisiana’s haunted lore. Souls who brave the shadows along the bayous and byways of Central Louisiana will encounter a haunted heritage centuries in the making. From the legends swirling about Alexandria’s historic Hotel Bentley and the Old Pineville City Hall to an exploration of an abandoned speakeasy in downtown Alexandria, explore the spirted legacy of the Crossroads of Louisiana. 

More than forty million Americans claim Irish ancestry. This lively illustrated book, divided into parts exploring myths, legends, and folktales, explains for the U.S. audience the importance of storytelling in Irish culture in particular. In ancient Ireland, a good storyteller was so valued that he would be a member of the aos dána, the bards, and would be welcomed into every village because he came bearing tales. From the One-Eyed Giant to the Salmon of Knowledge to beloved “fairy” tales, the author—a seanchaí (traditional storyteller) herself—presents a fascinating collection that places these archetypal tales in historical context.

Now in paperback! Leah Lange 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 makes one think, If she can do it, maybe I can too.

Your roadmap to Jewish life in South Florida!

A rich history and Jewish cultural tradition lie beneath the surface of South Florida. Beyond the stereotype of elderly Jews visiting sunny beaches, Florida boasts a distinctive Jewish population. The area is inhabited by Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews with roots in Spain or Turkey, and those from Cuba and other Latin American countries. This cultural mingling makes the Jewish way of life in South Florida so unique, featuring synagogues and eateries from Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and Miami. More than simply a travel guide, this book approaches each profiled location as an opportunity to bring to light the culture of the Jews that have made South Florida their home.

Every Sunday, Mike and Yvette could be found sitting on the porch listening to Pop recount stories of growing up near the Catahoula swamp. Tall tales of creatures that could only live in nightmares…an old hag with long, boney fingers, a tree that comes to life, and a wild girl who keeps “toe-kens” from her human encounters. Tall tales, yes, and none of them true…right?!

Yet when the family outing to visit Tante Nana, deep in the backwoods of Catahoula goes awry, Yvette soon discovers that strange things happen where the black trees grow.

Witch? Sorceress? Daughter of Satan? Murderer? Thief? Saint? Which label best fits Marie Laveau?

Queen of the voodoos, she is considered to have been the most important voodooienne ever to have reigned on this continent.

Robert Tallant, well known for his fine stories of the South, including Voodoo in New Orleans and Gumbo Ya-Ya, attempted to make use of all available facts and information in re-creating the life of this infamous woman. Marie Laveau, the last and most storied American sorceress, continues to weave her spell as those who read this fascinating portrait will discover.

A dark historical reality exposed.

In 1923 Marlow, Oklahoma, at the hotel belonging to Albert and Lula Berch, Albert is murdered trying to protect his African-American porter from an angry mob. After his death, the case unravels, and the truth of Albert Berch and his murderers emerges. Tracing his own family history, Dr. Alan Berch Hollingsworth discovers that it’s not just the Marlow townspeople who have something to hide. Why did his grandfather insist on hiring an African-American porter, violating the era’s Jim Crow segregation laws? How is the KKK involved in this gruesome crime? Unlocking the secret to his grandfather’s murder, he uncovers a true crime story of racial violence in 1920s Oklahoma.

Who is the lady in the photograph whose mirrored reflection appears headless in a bedroom in Oak Alley Plantation? Why are little girls the only tour visitors to experience the taunting of Chloe, a slave and mistress of the owner of the Myrtles in the 1800s? Whose invisible hand had to be repeatedly pushed away from the owner’s car horn at Chretien Point Plantation before the owner could get a good night’s rest?

The spine-tingling explanations for these events and many others are just waiting to be discovered.

Based on the PBS documentary of the same name that aired across the country, The Haunting of Louisiana showcases many of the stories that would not fit into the one-hour television program. Louisiana’s haunted reputation is spotlighted in the twenty chapters that cover the ghostly escapades and happenings at Oak Alley Plantation, Ormond Plantation, Destrehan Manor, and America’s “most haunted home,” the Myrtles, in St. Francisville, to name a few. The book also includes behind-the-scenes incidents that occurred during the taping of the documentary.

This ghostly guide provides an accessible walk through the history of the Civil War. Quantrill and the Younger gang, the mysterious Baxter Springs Buffalo Soldier, the spooky secrets of Indian Territory, and the Spook Light in Hornet, Missouri, are among some of the haunted highlights included.

Spectral sights from the creepy coast!

Whether you’re strolling around Portland or are an armchair visitor, this guide will bring you all the thrills and chills of one of the most haunted cities in the country. Steeped in history, the Oregon coast has been the site of eerie events over the centuries. Relive early Portland at Tryon Creek State Park, where the ghostly voices of loggers and the whinnying of horses can still be heard. Spirits linger in Prohibition-era Shanghai Tunnels, where prostitutes and immigrants were bought and sold. The Gray Lady still tends to the windswept Heceta Head Lighthouse, watching over her infant’s grave. Author Jeff Dwyer explores these lingering phantasms and others in this sepulchral volume of history and mystery.

“No, mon ami! You can’t catch me!”

When an old Creole woman bakes dessert on King’s Day, she has no idea what shenanigans will ensue. In this New Orleans adaptation of The Gingerbread Man, a mischievous king cake baby escapes his cake! He outruns a praline lady and a waiter at Café du Monde, but can he outsmart the clever baker? Chock full of Louisiana phrases and comic-book-style illustrations, this new take on an old tale brings the Crescent City to life from Jackson Square to the Creole Queen riverboat. This lively story is a great way to introduce children to the sights, sounds, and especially tastes of New Orleans. It even comes with a recipe for homemade king cake—just make sure to keep track of the baby!

"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.

Haunted Islands of San Francisco Bay: Ghosts, Crime, and Dark Histories

Alcatraz, Alameda, Mare Island, Angel Island, Yerba Buena, and Treasure Island loom out of the dark waters of San Francisco Bay. Even when they aren’t shrouded in mist, the islands are haunted by a past swirling with criminal violence, fatal epidemic, environmental disaster, and explosive sabotage. From an infernal duel on Angel Island to the cursed cells of Alcatraz and the Old 84 naval prison, Jeff Dwyer steers adventurous readers through a haunted history full of phantom ships and open graves. 

This unique collection of Cajun recipes (and humor) will surely set your imagination on the right track, I garontee. Recipes for everything from the perfect roux to Eggplant Appetizer a la Justin are included.

Hunted by vampires and haunted by lovers, Jake Campbell must survive New Orleans’ darkest secrets—or be buried with them

The supernatural world of the French Quarter quickly sucked Jake Campbell in and just as quickly spit him out. Now running from vampires and former lovers, Jake finds himself in Texas, where he discovers he’s not just a magnet for mayhem—he’s also a beacon for vampires, no matter what state he’s in. Jake teams up with two unusual vampire hunters against his better judgment, and the three head back to New Orleans to put an end to the Casket Girls, who Jake believes are still held captive in the convent attic. While it may seem like Jake has things under control, he soon finds out he should never underestimate vampires and scorned women...

Have y'all seen Scrim? Now available as an action-packed coloring book!

Scrim the dog got loose in the Big Easy, and New Orleans may never be the same. Known for his wiry fur and mischievous antics, Scrim has become a beloved figure in the city, darting through neighborhoods, dodging potholes, and leaving a trail of smiles wherever he goes.

Did you know that camels were imported to Texas to serve the U.S. Army in the 1850s? They carried supplies and mail to isolated forts and settlers. Young readers will be fascinated to learn of this little-known part of American history.

The USS Midway first set sail in 1945, with thousands of brave Americans on board. By the time it returned to port for the final time in 1992, it had become the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the twentieth century. This memoir tells the true story forged by these young sailors, their feelings of empowerment, accomplishment, and optimism in the life ahead. Spanning six decades, chapters cover the most important events of world affairs, witnessed by the crew.

2025 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, ABA Pick of the List title, and a Storytelling World Honor Award Honoree

Now in paperback, this beloved anthology for the whole family consists of five original tales, each linked to an important Jewish holiday and featuring the prophet Elijah. In each tale, Elijah comforts those who are generous, wise, and fair while challenging those who are faithless.

Kelsi's fifth-grade year takes unexpected turns with new friends, a mysterious egret, and surprising adventures

After a summer of adventures with her lamb Dopey and best friend Ampara, Kelsi Fairgate looks forward to fifth grade. She seems destined for disappointment from the moment she arrives at school and finds a boy named Toby in her favorite seat by the tall window.

Back at the ranch, a great egret makes one of his unexpected appearances just as Toby’s family shows up for lunch. At first Kelsi is dismayed, but she soon learns why Toby had wanted that quiet back window. Kelsi and Ampara seek out the mysterious white bird, along with the ways they can help their new friend. 

In chapters ranging from food and drink to history and war, this book shares real-life stories that only New Orleans could produce. Errol Laborde founded Lundi Gras and the now-beloved tradition of Zulu meeting Rex at Spanish Plaza before a loud, excited crowd on the eve of Fat Tuesday. He tells that origin story here, along with other vignettes adapted from his national-award-winning Streetcar column in New Orleans magazine.