Celebrating 100 Years of Pelican Publishing

A Century of Southern Stories, Culture & Legacy

Founded in 1926 in New Orleans, Pelican Publishing has spent a century capturing the heart, soul, and stories of the American South. From iconic Louisiana cookbooks and cultural histories to classic children’s literature and regional biographies, Pelican’s catalog reflects the diverse voices and enduring traditions of the Gulf South and beyond.

In honor of our 100th anniversary, we invite readers old and new to explore our rich publishing history—and discover the titles that have shaped generations.

A Brief History of Pelican Publishing

Founded in 1926 by John McClure, Pelican began as a literary journal and evolved into one of the South’s most enduring independent publishers. It rose to prominence in the mid-20th century with titles like Gumbo Ya-Ya, Louisiana Hayride, and The Cajuns, helping define the genre of Southern regional nonfiction.

Over the decades, Pelican expanded into cookbooks, children’s literature, history, and more—publishing works by artists, activists, and everyday Southerners. In 2012, Pelican joined the Arcadia Publishing family, preserving its legacy while reaching new audiences across the country.

In 2026, Pelican celebrates 100 years of publishing stories that matter—with new releases, reissued classics, author events, and limited-edition anniversary titles.

About Pelican Publishing

Pelican Publishing is a historic Louisiana-based press specializing in Southern history, culture, cookbooks, children’s books, and regional nonfiction.

For nearly a century, Pelican has published books that celebrate Southern identity—from classic Cajun recipes and Civil War narratives to tales of Mardi Gras and Mississippi folklore. Our authors include renowned chefs, educators, historians, and storytellers whose work preserves and amplifies the rich traditions of the South.

Key publishing areas include:

New Orleans and Gulf Coast history
Classic and contemporary Southern cookbooks
Black history in the American South
Southern children’s stories and picture books
True crime and cultural legends from the region

Pelican is now an imprint of Arcadia Publishing, allowing us to continue expanding our legacy with a strong national reach and a deep commitment to regional storytelling.