20 Best Books About New Orleans (2023 Update)

New orleans–the big easy, the birthplace of jazz, home of cafe du monde and what some call the most haunted city in america. beneath the indulgence and revelry of the crescent city lies a long history of the dark and mysterious. from the famous "queen of voodoo," marie laveau, who is said to haunt the site of her grave, to the wicked lalauries, whose true natures were hidden behind elegance and the trappings of high society, new orleans is filled with spirits of all kinds. some of the ghosts in these stories have sordid and scandalous histories, while others are friendly specters who simply can't leave their beloved city behind. join supernatural historian troy taylor as he takes readers beyond the french quarter and shows a side of new orleans never seen.

Now in paperback with a new afterword…. another pageturning new york times bestseller by the authors of george washington's secret six and thomas jefferson and the tripoli pirates. – the war of 1812 saw america threatened on every side. encouraged by the british, indian tribes attacked settlers in the west, while the royal navy terrorized the coasts. by mid-1814, president james madison’s generals had lost control of the war in the north, losing battles in canada. then british troops set the white house ablaze, and a feeling of hopelessness spread across the country. – into this dire situation stepped major general andrew jackson, who feared that president madison’s men were overlooking the most important target of all: new orleans. if the british conquered new orleans, they would control the mouth of the mississippi river, cutting americans off from that essential trade route. the new nation’s dreams of western expansion would be crushed before they really got off the ground. – jackson had to convince president madison and his war department to take him seriously, even though he wasn’t one of the virginians and new englanders who dominated the government. he had to assemble a coalition of frontier militiamen, french-speaking louisianans, cherokee and choctaw indians, freed slaves, and even some pirates. – as they did in their previous bestsellers, kilmeade and yaeger make history come alive with a riveting true story that will keep you turning the pages. you’ll finish with a new understanding of one of our greatest generals and a renewed appreciation for the brave men who fought so that america could one day stretch “from sea to shining sea.”

Sibert honor medalist ∙ kirkus' best of 2015 list ∙ school library journal best of 2015 ∙ publishers weekly's best of 2015 list ∙ horn book fanfare book ∙ booklist editor's choice on august 29, 2005, hurricane katrina's monstrous winds and surging water overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying new orleans, louisiana. eighty percent of the city flooded, in some places under twenty feet of water. property damages across the gulf coast topped $100 billion. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people lost their lives. the riveting tale of this historic storm and the drowning of an american city is one of selflessness, heroism, and courage–and also of incompetence, racism, and criminality. don brown's kinetic art and as-it-happens narrative capture both the tragedy and triumph of one of the worst natural disasters in american history. a portion of the proceeds from this book has been donated to habitat for humanity new orleans.

By the author of the acclaimed eat dat, a brand-new guide to new orleans's scary side, from voodoo rituals to historic cemeteries and haunted mansions fear dat new orleans explores the eccentric and often macabre dark corners of america’s most unique city. in addition to detailed histories of bizarre burials, ghastly murders, and the greatest concentration of haunted places in america, fear dat features a “bone watcher’s guide” with useful directions of who’s buried where, from marie laveau to ruthie the duck girl. you’ll also find where to buy the most authentic gris-gris or to get the best psychic reading. the huffington post tagged michael murphy’s first book eat dat, about the city’s food culture, the #1 “essential” book to read before coming to new orleans. new orleans living called it “both reverent and irreverent, he manages to bring a sense of humor to serious eating—and that’s what new orleans is all about.”

Few cities anywhere are as vibrant, historically rich, and just plain fun as new orleans. but it's not a "dummy proof" destination. too many travelers leave town wondering what all the fuss is about. that doesn't happen to those carrying this book. written by frequent frommer author and journalist, diana k. schwam, frommer's easyguide to new orleans 2020 introduces travelers to the experiences other visitors miss; and has the type of insightful commentary on the iconic sights that brings them to life. the book includes special sections for those who are visiting during mardi gras and jazz fest; and day trips to nearby plantations and nature sights. finally, there's exact pricing for every item in the book, along with transportation tips, to help make your vacation worry free. the book is updated yearly and printed in large, easy-to-read type. exact pricing and public transportation instructions, so there's never any guessing complete information on the city's legendary nightlife scene (including the places only locals' know about) opinionated advice on which attractions and restaurants are worth your time and which can be skipped detailed info on the city's lodging options, with frank assessments of what's worth your vacation budget and what isn't 16-page photo guide with vibrant photographs maps throughout and a handy, full-sized pull-out map about frommer's: there's a reason frommer's has been the most trusted name in travel for more than 60 years. travel is easy with frommer's.

Set against the backdrop of the first all-female mardi gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret—and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other.“ an undercurrent of new orleans’s dark side propels the story, heightening the tension and supplying mcphail with a wealth of evocative details.” – publishers weekly the year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like alice butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, alice leaves the bitter cold of chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a new orleans orphanage.constance halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. meeting alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for alice’s help creating a gown for the leap year ball of les mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of mardi gras. during leap years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.but constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. her husband, benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the black hand, the vicious gangsters who controled new orleans’ notorious storyville district. and as the mardi gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between alice and constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

Celebrate 300 years of new orleans history! originally written by joan b. garvey and mary lou widmer, this book is widely regarded as the definitive text for tourists, locals, teachers, and students. complete with a new forward by barbara robichaux, a professional french quarter tour guide, this concise history directs the reader through the diverse traditions and cultures of new orleans. the updates in this tricentennial edition celebrate the 300-year history of new orleans, with chapters including details of the city's founding, changing european rule, slavery, and much more. with lists of notable figures and events, this reference volume is a must for historians, tour guides, and lovers of the big easy.

All new orleans' glories, tragedies, contributions, and complexities can be traced back to the geographical dilemma bienville confronted in 1718 when selecting the primary location of new orleans. "bienville's dilemma" presents sixty-eight articles on the historical geography of new orleans, covering the formation and foundation of the city, its urbanization and population, its "humanization" into a place of distinction, the manipulation of its environment, its devastation by hurricane katrina, and its ongoing recovery.

This is the story of a city that shouldn't exist. in the seventeenth century, what is now america's most beguiling metropolis was nothing more than a swamp: prone to flooding, infested with snakes, battered by hurricanes. but through the intense imperial rivalries of spain, france, and england, and the ambitious, entrepreneurial merchants and settlers from four continents who risked their lives to succeed in colonial america, this unpromising site became a crossroads for the whole atlantic world.lawrence n. powell, a decades-long resident and observer of new orleans, gives us the full sweep of the city's history from its founding through louisiana statehood in 1812. the accidental city is the story of land-jobbing schemes, stock market crashes, and nonstop squabbles over status, power, and position, with enough rogues, smugglers, and self-fashioners to fill a picaresque novel.powell's tale underscores the fluidity and contingency of the past, revealing a place where people made their own history. this is a city, and a history, marked by challenges and perpetual shifts in shape and direction, like the sinuous river on which it is perched.

After fifteen years of living like a vagabond on her reporter's schedule, julia reed got married and bought a house in the historic garden district. four weeks after she moved in, hurricane katrina struck. the house on first street is the chronicle of reed's remarkable and often hilarious homecoming, as well as a thoroughly original tribute to our country's most original city.

While new york has dutch and english forebears, new orleans has the french and spanish to thank for creating a unique blend of eighteenth and nineteenth century architecture that has made it one of the most photographed cities in the world. then there is the madness of mardi gras and the lure of its international jazz festival that has helped give it the nicknames; “the city that care forgot” and “the big easy.” before the rise of the railroads it was the most prosperous city in the south. – the city fell early in the civil war, in 1862, but the dwindling importance of cotton and the mississippi that led to the city’s real demise in the latter half of the nineteenth century. today, tourism is an important industry and despite the inundation of floodwater from hurricane katrina in 2005, visitors have flocked back to the city. new orleans then and now features the must-see sites of the french quarter; bourbon street, once frequented by a streetcar named desire, the old absinthe house, the napoleon house, the haunted la – laurie mansion and the beautiful ironwork of the la – branche buildings. it also shows the st. – louis cathedral and the higgins boatyard which played a crucial role in winning world war ii.

Lonely planet: the world's leading travel guide publisher – lonely planet's pocket new orleansis your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. march with a brass band through the french quarter, eat everything from jambalaya to beignets, and take a walking tour past the garden district's plantation-style mansions – all with your trusted travel companion. get to the heart of new orleans and begin your journey now! inside lonely planet's pocket new orleans: full-color maps and images throughout – highlightsand itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests – insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots – essential infoat your fingertips – hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices – honest reviews for all budgets – eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss – free, convenient pull-out boston map (included in print version), plus over 16 color neighborhood maps – user-friendly layout with helpful icons, and organized by neighborhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time – covers french quarter, faubourg, marigny and the bywater, cbd and the warehouse district, garden and lower garden districts, uptown and riverbend, mid-city and the treme, and more – the perfect choice: lonely planet's pocket – new orleansis our colorful, easy to use, handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, providing on-the-go assistance for those seeking the best sights and experiences on a short visit or weekend break. – looking for more extensive coverage? – about lonely planet: lonely planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. you'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.' lonely planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – new york times'lonely planet. it's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. it's on mobile phones. it's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – fairfax media (australia)

Good night new orleans features jazz musicians, the mississippi river, river boats, mardi gras festivities, the french quarter, french market, audubon zoo, wwii museum, audubon butterfly garden, audubon aquarium, local foods, and more. welcome to the big easy! this delightful board book highlights the best of new orleans. children will explore the city's most interesting and fun attractions. gumbo and beignets included! this book is part of the bestselling good night our world series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting, child-friendly themes.many of north america’s most beloved regions are artfully celebrated in these board books designed to soothe children before bedtime while instilling an early appreciation for north america's natural and cultural wonders. each book stars a multicultural group of people visiting the featured area’s attractions as rhythmic language guides children through the passage of both a single day and the four seasons while saluting the iconic aspects of each place.

Wildsam field guides: new orleans reveals this one-of-a-kind city through local stories, travel intel and modern lore, seeking out the real and rooted things, what's truly authentic and sharing the soul of a place, for travelers and locals alike. – revel in the eccentric and the vibrancy of new orleans, including: iconic dishes and where to find them – jazz greats and their instrument of choice – a comprehensive list of mardi gras indian tribes – a short story by william faulkner – a bartender-approved cocktail crawl – famous cookbooks of the twentieth century – a glossary of only-in-nola architecture terms – letters from louis armstrong and tennessee williams

Named one of the top 10 books of 2008 by the times-picayune. winner of the 2009 humanities book of the year award from the louisiana endowment for the humanities.awarded the new orleans gulf south booksellers association book of the year award for 2008. new orleans is the most elusive of american cities. the product of the centuries-long struggle among three mighty empires–france, spain, and england–and among their respective american colonies and enslaved african peoples, it has always seemed like a foreign port to most americans, baffled as they are by its complex cultural inheritance. the world that made new orleans offers a new perspective on this insufficiently understood city by telling the remarkable story of new orleans's first century–a tale of imperial war, religious conflict, the search for treasure, the spread of slavery, the cuban connection, the cruel aristocracy of sugar, and the very different revolutions that created the united states and haiti. it demonstrates that new orleans already had its own distinct personality at the time of louisiana's statehood in 1812. by then, important roots of american music were firmly planted in its urban swamp–especially in the dances at congo square, where enslaved africans and african americans appeared en masse on sundays to, as an 1819 visitor to the city put it, rock the city.” this book is a logical continuation of ned sublette's previous volume, cuba and its music: from the first drums to the mambo, which was highly praised for its synthesis of musical, cultural, and political history. just as that book has become a standard resource on cuba, so too will the world that made new orleans long remain essential for understanding the beautiful and tragic story of this most american of cities.

Utterly unique and entirely irresistible, welcome to new orleans. whether you want to attend the world's biggest party, tour the historic architecture of the french quarter or pay homage to the birthplace of jazz, your dk eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that new orleans has to offer. a melting pot of african, caribbean and european cultures, new orleans is a place unlike any other. this heady mix of influences has culminated in a city that celebrates life on a daily basis, reflected in its infectious music, enticing cuisine and restless party spirit. our newly updated guide brings new orleans to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed information on all the must-see sights, inspiring photography and our trademark illustrations. try our dk eyewitness top 10 new orleans.

Utterly unique and entirely irresistible, welcome to new orleans. whether you want to attend the world's biggest party, tour the historic architecture of the french quarter or pay homage to the birthplace of jazz, your dk eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that new orleans has to offer. a melting pot of african, caribbean and european cultures, new orleans is a place unlike any other. this heady mix of influences has culminated in a city that celebrates life on a daily basis, reflected in its infectious music, enticing cuisine and restless party spirit. our newly updated guide brings new orleans to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights and advice, detailed information on all the must-see sights, inspiring photography and our trademark illustrations. try our dk eyewitness top 10 new orleans.

Originally published in 1936, an invaluable guide to wander with.

Originally published in 1936, an invaluable guide to wander with.

* go off the beaten path to discover the hidden places, stories, and neighborhoods that reveal new orleans' true character, history, and flavor* the ultimate insider's guide to new orleans* features interesting and unusual places not found in traditional travel guides* part of the international 111 places/111 shops series with over 150 titles and 1 million copies in print worldwide* appeals to both the local market (nearly 400,000 call new orleans home) and the tourist market (10 million people visit new orleans every year)* fully illustrated with 111 full-page color photographsas noted musician and nola native allen toussaint once said, "to get to new orleans, you don't pass through anywhere else." birthplace of jazz, home to the world famous mardi gras, champion of voo-doo and vampires, purveyors of its own distinctive creole and cajun cuisines, new orleans, once owned by france, then spain, then france again, has a rich history that blends the unconventional with the orthodox to create a cultural collision unlike that found in any other city.this insider's guide to new orleans is shaped by portraits of the less obvious, hidden treasures rarely seen by the 10 million tourists who visit "the big easy" each year. from architecture that housed early jazz musicians and powerful madams; to bars that offer shot-and-a-haircut specials; to emblematic local eateries like hansen's sno bliz and killer po'boys; to the best places to buy a chartreuse-colored beehive wig, civil war cavalry sabre, or some swamp-grass gris gris, 111 places in new orleans will ensure that you experience the musical, spiritual, historical, edible, and quite often sinful side of america's most interesting city.