Louisiana Books

Lawrence Dorr creates the most unforgettable characters! Each and every one leads to a better understanding of the world and a greater acceptance of others. The stories in this collection are filled with extraordinary kindnesses that always seem to come when we least expect it; but more importantly, Dorr shows the reader the only way to transcend the limitations of the physical world. I love this writer and only want to say PLEASE MR. DORR, GIVE US MORE, MORE, MORE.

Lawrence Dorr creates the most unforgettable characters! Each and every one leads to a better understanding of the world and a greater acceptance of others. The stories in this collection are filled with extraordinary kindnesses that always seem to come when we least expect it; but more importantly, Dorr shows the reader the only way to transcend the limitations of the physical world. I love this writer and only want to say PLEASE MR. DORR, GIVE US MORE, MORE, MORE.

Dorr is a master of prose with his powerful images and poignant topics. His word structure alone is impressive. These are some of the best twentieth century American stories I have read.

These twelve stories reflect the experiences and emotions Hungarian-born writer Lawrence Dorr suffered in his war-torn homeland before and during World War II , and after his move to America. As a young lad, Dorr faced the Germans, was posted on the front in excruciating cold, was wounded, found his family killed,and his ancestral home consfiscated. After making a daring escape from the Communists, he wandered throughout Europe holding a variety of jobs, from working a loom in a British cotton mill to being a teacher. These situations are the details and threads by which Dorr weaves stories that tell of the anguish he suffered as an exile. They also illustrate in graphic detail the horror people can perpretrate on others, and on a country, in the name of patriotism and honor. Because the revelations about human nature in these stories are so honest, they are often difficult to read and/or accept, but the reader leaves them wiser and more aware of God's grace. Dorr's characters and plots reveal a love and humanity that heals. Simple and kind acts extended to someone physically or emotionally wounded reveal that good exists, even if given by those who seemingly have lost all dignity. In other stories, Dorr shows the redemptive values of family, nature, worship, and even domestic rituals. In that sense, Dorr is a religious writer. His peace comes from an unshakable knowledge that God is good and that mercy is a gift. Door's writing is spare, lean, and masculine. A gifted writer, his images,descriptions, and writing style attest to his extensive knowledge of and familiarity with the classics, music, and art. It is no wonder that Dorr was nominated for a a Pulitzer prize in fiction. His writings and characters speak of anger,intrigue, passion, humor,love,and friendships. This book is compelling. Dorr is one of America's finest writers of fiction

Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart may well be the least known high ranking officer of the Civil War. {? Sam Cooper ?} A native of Tennessee who graduated from West Point, he left the Army to become a college professor in order to provide more income , and stability, for his family. When war came, there was no hesitation; Stewart followed the South, soon earned General's stars, and served with distinction from the early days to Joe Johnston's final surrender in North Carolina.

Sam Elliott has given us a wonderful account of the campaigns of the Army of Tennessee, and General Stewart's part in them. Stewart remains unknown because he was a quiet man who did his job, and left the political infighting to others. During the Bragg debacle, he got along with both sides. Today, the E-Ring at the Pentagon is populated with men like Stewart, equally unknown, but indispensable. The Tennessee Campaign of fall, 1864, gets good coverage, including Stewart's participation at Spring Hill and Franklin.

When the war ended, General Stewart rejoined the Union, and encouraged his men to do the same. Returning to Education, he had a distinguished tenure as Chancellor at Ole Miss. Many today are unaware of the debt we owe to Stewart, and some other leaders from both sides [prominantly General Rosecrans].....the wonderful system of National Battlefield Parks was the result of their hard work. Begining with Chickmauga, the system has spread and become a priceless treasure.

This fine book closes with what is, for me, the most disturbing fate to befall any of the Confederacy's officers. I can not explain how a committed Christian, and a well grounded Calvinist, could do what he did. I have discussed this with the author, and he has no explanation, either. My own theory is that Stewart [a] wasn't really well grounded-I dismiss that, or, [b] became unhinged from his wife's death and/or the effects of old age. In any event, the close marrs an otherwise great book. That, however, is General Stewart's fault, not Sam Elliott's. Great book about a subject who, despite his tragic late life decision, deserves to be much better known.

Confederate General Alexander P. Stewart is revered by today's WATCHTOWER SOCIETY and its JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES members as the only U.S. Civil War General to convert to their belief system. Stewart joins President Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. Army General William P. Hall as the only three West Point educated American Generals who were either reared (Eisenhower) as JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES or converted later in life (Stewart and Hall).As documented in pages 297-9 of this book, the JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES Founder Charles Taze Russell absented himself for two days from the middle of the annual WatchTower Convention in 1908 so he could travel to St. Louis and preside over Stewart's Funeral, which was conducted with full Confederate honors and regalia by the Confederate Veterans. General Alexander P. Stewart's baptism into the JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES religion was reported in the October 1, 1905 issue of the WATCHTOWER magazine: "We had a warm welcome at St. Louis, too, and the attendance was excellent, notwithstanding the fact that we did not get the announcement into the WATCH TOWER, and hence but few came from nearby towns. The morning session was in the "Christian Church" edifice. The topic was "Consecration," and following it nine symbolized full consecration by water baptism. Among the number was Brother Alexander Stewart, well known throughout the South for the active and prominent part he took in the war of the Rebellion, as the leader of "Stewart's Cavalry." General Stewart is of advanced years, but clear of intellect. He has been a "soldier of the Cross" for some time, and deeply interested in "Present Truth" for several years. He expected to be symbolically baptized at the time of the Chattanooga Convention, but was prevented by ill health. After leaving the water Brother Stewart was heard to express great satisfaction at having thus outwardly confessed his blessed Lord and his full devotion to Him and His cause. Brother Stewart already had joined the army of the Lord, but by this act of public confession he, so to speak, donned his regimentals and joined the forces "on the firing line." May he loyal prove and true to the end of the way, and with all the faithful receive the crown of life which fadeth not away. How sectional lines, race and party prejudices and all the distinctions of wealth and fame gradually fade from the minds of those who become by God's grace and truth members prospective of the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the peculiar people, called for a purpose, even to show forth the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light! With this erstwhile warrior, but more recently college president and later U.S. Commissioner, none others of the nine were of the same rank or education, yet they all were on the same level of divine mercy through Christ -- justified and sanctified through the grace of our Lord. The assorted company well illustrated the Apostle's words, "Not many great, not many wise, not many learned, hath God chosen." One of these nine was a child of twelve years, a very unusual sight with us. Child though she was she gave good evidence of a clear appreciation of what she did, so that we could not question her acceptability with the Lord. We could not help a mental reflection on how extremes meet in the family of God -- in the body of Christ. The tall man, full of years and ripe in the learning of this world, and the little girl, on the threshold of life every way, had both heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto me and have your sins forgiven, and find rest for your souls and find eternal life. "All of the Lord's followers meet on this common level. "All ye are brethren," "One is your Master, even Christ." Some may have almost envied the great man, but we doubt not he almost envied the little child, who, starting thus early to follow the footsteps of Jesus, had apparently reached nearly the same point at the same time by the shorter journey. "They that seek me early shall find me" -- the more easily. Nevertheless, the General's learning and influence may be turned to the greater advantage if wisely used in the service of our King. May he, may we all, prove faithful to the cause of him who loved us and bought us with his precious blood."

It IS about time General Stewart gets some press. As stated in this wonderful book there are Colonels in Lee's army that are better known than this man who was one of the ranking generals in the Confederate army. At Franklin Stewart helped lead a far larger and more deadly charge than the famous July 4th, 1863 charge at Gettysburg, yet very few people know of him. As the campaigns of the Army of Tennessee begin to gain further study maybe this will change. This book should help a great deal.

From his birth in Rogersville, Tennessee until his death in St. Louis Stewart always remained at heart a Tennessean and his dedication to his state led him into all of the major battles of the Army of Tennessee. Nobody who studies that army can do so without a study of "Old Straight". This book does a wonderful job of exploring the life, war experences,and post-war work of this deeply religious man.

There are only two small problems with this work. First, Mr. Elliott sometimes goes a little far in defending Stewart. The picture he paints of the political strife in the Army of Tennessee is very clear but on occasion he goes a little out of his way to point out how little Stewart was involved in these political battles. It might be more to Stewart's credit if he had been a little more involved in trying to remove General Bragg before more damage could be done. The other problem is one faced by many writers dealing with war. Most readers get quickly lost as a writer begins to relate how this regiment was placed here and that regiment was placed there. Worse yet is the practice of describing an action in detail with terms like "Jones attacked on Smith's left which was countered by moving Brown......". Soon the reader who often has never heard of these regimental or division commanders becomes confused and is not sure who is fighting who or which side anybody is on. Can it be avoided? I don't know but it does weaken this fine work somewhat.

Still, anyone who hopes to understand the "other" major Confederate army must read this book. Mr. Elliott has made a major contribution to the study of the Army of Tennessee and I thank him.

Sam Elliott has brought to life an overlooked general from the Confederacy. As the highest ranking officer to serve the South from Tennessee, General Alexander P. Stewart was one of the few and lucky individuals to survive the entire western campaign. Soldier of Tennessee gives the reader a wonderful cronological look at the war in Tennessee and intoduces us to one of the most respected men in the Southern army. Not only does Elliott present a thorough description of most of the western campaigns, but he is also able to capture the human struggle of a battered Confederate army. This is a must for any Civil War enthusiast.

This was one of my favorite books growing up. A very entertaining story and exceptional illustrations make this clever book a must for any parent wishing to give their child something different to read. I suppose "different" is a good way to describe it and why it remains near the top of the books I had as a kid.

As a child, I loved all of the Something Queer books. When I found copies at a used book sale, I bought them for my classroom. Several of my students also enjoyed these books. In particular, the students who had difficulty with reading enjoyed these excellent stories which have relatively easy text. They often read them again and again.

I read this book as a child and have never forgotten how much I loved it. I am purchasing a hardcover copy for every little person in my life.

I loved this book when I was a child. The pictures are great, with close-ups, arrows pointing things out and detailed diagrams of various things. It's fun to look at all the details. I also had Something Queer at the Library and thought it was just as good.

Recently, on a trip to my parents house, I found this book and brought it home to read to my almost two-year-old daughter. She loves it! She keeps making me read it over and over again. She likes to imitate Gwen tapping her braces and Jill poking Gwen. (She even says "poke poke poke" to me as she pokes me.) She won't let me read her the Something Queer at the Library book because she is so intrigued by this one.

It's really a timeless book. Though it was published in 1973, it still feels very up-to-date, especially since Jill has a working mother. I love that my daughter loves it as much as me.

This is a great cookbook from the Talk About Good! Series from the Junior League of Lafayette. the Shrimp Grillades and Jalepeno grits are "to die for". This is a great update on the original Cajun Cookbook, Talk about Good! . The menus are great, and the photos are beautiful. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!

I have the set of all 4 Lafayette Junior League cookbooks. This one looks great on the counter or coffee table :) AND has lots of easy and great recipes. The Marinated Shrimp Tortellini and the Oven French Toast are our most favorite and we make them often. Lots of good choices and too many other favorites to mention!

This cookbook is absolutely wonderful! I am from Louisiana, and I truly value this cookbook. I haven't made a dish yet that my fiance' and I haven't said "Wow, this is amazing!" I would recommend it to anyone!

Being from southern Louisiana, I can attest to the authenticity and quality of these recipes. Made the red beans and sausage recipe for my husband. Although he does not care for traditional red beans and rice, this is now one of his favorite meals. Every recipe we have tried has had that special flavoring that makes it a favorite. There are few cookbooks whose recipes I can make for the first time without reservation. This is one of them. Great buy. Great gift.

The irony is that I had known the parents of Tom Sancton since 1972 (his mother, Seta, and I worked for the Tulane University Library from 1972 until 1979 when I became a social service worker); still, I knew nothing of what Tom Sancton writes in this book. Obviously, he learned both from his parents who taught him by example rather than just words, and from the Preservation Hall musicians. I hope he is proud of the fact that he, by his actions, contributed to the breakdown of racial barriers. He certainly has demonstrated that New Orleans can be a community where people can be together regardless of race, color or creed; and the book clearly reflects that.

As a fan of New Orleans and Dixieland jazz, I ordered this book as soon as it became available, and consumed it immediately. Tom Sancton met all my expectations, and also provided me with recent history of my favorite musicians, the Olympia Brass Band. He honestly described people and an era that will never be recaptured, with love, and affection, but without guilding the lily. These were real people, shown by Sancton with all their warts, and I miss them all greatly. On a visit to the Preservation Hall recently, I enjoyed the music provided by all white musicians and one black drummer, but was so aware of the loss of those originals. The drummer's father, one of the Fathers described by Sancton, is now gone, and we cried on each other's shoulders, over the loss of a music that can be preserved, but musicians who can never be duplicated. I am just so appreciative to Tom Sancton for producing this book, especially now that Katrina has erased so many of his memories.

Jealous
Boy, am I jealous of this guy! He lived a dream life as a teenager.
Every musician that reads this will envy this story. Well written and boy am I jealous!

Sancton has written an outstanding account of his coming of age in 60's New Orleans while learning trad jazz clarinet from George Lewis and other "old mens" at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. Whether you love New Orleans and trad jazz, or not I think you'll enjoy Sancton's memoir. His story of being an Uptown white boy spending a lot of time with black musicians in the a world apart from where most of his comtemporaries were growing up is nothing if not unique. Sancton's day job after a Harvard degree turned out to be a correspondent for Time Magazine. So, he can definitely turn a good phrase. In addtion to documenting his interactions with the musicians, Sancton also writes about race, culture, and history in New Orleans. He also explores his relationship with members of his family, especially his writer father, who has an interesting story of his own, probably the subject of another book.Just a delightful read.

You can spend your entire life immersed in contemporary poetry and never come close to experiencing the literary genius displayed in Mr. Scafidi's exceptional first book. Put the very best of Russell Edson, Judy Jordan, and a sprinkle of Faulkner in a cuisinart and you'll have a mere taste of Mr. Scafidi's talent. If you buy one book this decade, poetry or not, make it Sparks from a Nine Pound Hammer.

You can spend your entire life immersed in contemporary poetry and never come close to experiencing the literary genius displayed in Mr. Scafidi's exceptional first book. Put the very best of Russell Edson, Judy Jordan, and a sprinkle of Faulkner in a cuisinart and you'll have a mere taste of Mr. Scafidi's talent. If you buy one book this decade, poetry or not, make it Sparks from a Nine Pound Hammer.

"Sparks from a Nine-Pound Hammer," Steve Scafidi's first book of poems, reads almost like a collaboration between William Faulkner and W.H. Auden. Like Faulkner, Scafidi feels the ponderous weight of Southern history pressing on his shoulders; contrasting the 1916 burning of Jesse Washington with the 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr., Scafidi says, "Most white American men are the same color they were then." But, like Auden, he is able to pass from the odium of history to take joy in the physical world. Scafidi's funny and exquisite "Latitudes of Desire" riffs brilliantly on the sight of his wife wearing only her blue panties, taking the reader on a mock-epic journey across oceans and continents in a celebration of romantic and erotic love. Scafidi's language is labyrinthine and sensuous, a lava flow of words engulfing and preserving for all time every sight and thought in its path. Here is a young poet who writes with the delicacy and assurance of a master; I look forward to seeing what he gives us next.

Sparks of a Nine-Pound Hammer marks the arrival of a major American voice of a new generatation. In this stunning first collection, Steve Scafidi confirms that poetry still upholds the power to transform the psyche of our collective past. This daring poet does not hold back from truthfully expressing the unfortunate presence of racism in the South. Yet, Mr. Scafidi maintains the facility to celebrate the shock of dreams with grace. Take a deep breath when reading Sparks of a Nine-Pound Hammer because the poetry will, like the photo of the poet suggests, kick your behind.

This book brought back so many fond memories of when I was growing up in a little town north of New Orleans. My parents were from New Orleans and of Italian descent, and this book is reminiscent of so many things I experienced as a child. My mother made a St. Joseph's Altar for 17 years until she was no longer able to do so, and I was thrilled to find recipes for so many of the dishes she prepared in this book!

i bought two of these; one for our former pastor - priest
and one for our altar society; it is just wonderful

A beautiful book with super pictures. If you cannot come to New Orleans to see the St. Joseph Altars in person, then at least buy the book and enjoy the pictures. The Feast of St. Joseph is on March 19th.

Growing up in a Sicilian family in the 50's, the St Jospeh Altar was a labor of love for my parents. I can recall the women gathered around the kitchen table with their own special paring knives for making cookies and secret recipes for the traditional dishes of their homeland. The photographs are a vivid reminder of those tables laden with so many pastries with the strange sounding names.

Although this book is seen from the celebrations in New Orleans, it still captures the story of the St Joseph Altar with the prayers and rituals of the occassion. I can still hear the beautiful sung Litany of St Joseph translated into English in this book, and taste the crunch of "mudica" (toasted breadcrumbs)on the pasta. This book would be a treasure to hand down to your children as you tell them of their grandparents and great-grandparents or as a gift for anyons who remembers San Guiseppe's feast day. It is a scrapbook of a time past for most Sicilian familes who have blended into the cultural melting pot, and a reminder of a heritage that should be kept alive for future generations.

Poet Susan Ludvigson is the real thing. She is smart enough to keep her ego out of the way (which is the downfall of most poets of the last 50 years). Her swaths of craft are large-writ, like the brush strokes of Van Gogh, but the word paint is well-mixed. No need to look for intricate rhyme schemes here (though they are there), rather look for whole colors whose radiance can best be viewed like a mosaic. Ludvigson is a great poet in this style. Read her and lines will haunt you for days. She is an exquisite beauty. This is one of the finest books of American poetry in the last decade. It should have won a Pulitzer.

Susan Ludvigson is a genius, a daring genius

Ludvisgon illuminates the human side of Jesus in a way that few would even dare

Her work makes the feelings of women especially breathe on the page. Anyone who has ever had an interest in Mary Magdalene will imagine her more deeply after reading this book. Few poets would dare to write in the voice of God talking to one of his favorite daughters (Emily Dickinson), but Ludvigson does so successfully, creating a God who is wise, witty and somewhat plaintive, trying to reconcile himself and us to His creation.

This was a great book for the seasoned visitor or someone going for the first time. The info was right on and the artwork thruout the book was beautiful. BUY THIS as some of the proceeds go to Katrina relief. A lovely tribute to one of the greatest cities in the world.

I've been to New Orleans 9 times and we're again going in 3 weeks. This book was very informative, even to someone who's been there many times. I loaned it to a friend of mine who's a New Orleans native and she loved it. She lives here in California and it brought back many memories for her. This is the perfect book for the person going to New Orleans for the first time or an old timer. I'd highly recommend it.

Very thoughtfully written and beautifully illustrated. Great gift for any New Orleans fan -- whether traveller or native.

I bought this book for my husband who used to live there. He really likes it. He is a former lucky dog vendor so it was nice to see that they had been adressed in the book as well as other areas that he is familiar with. I would definately recommend this book to people who are familiar with N.O.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for something with great pictures and a brief narrative. The photos were good in that they weren't all taken in the summer, as in most books of this type. It was nice to see these historic homes in the spring bloom, fall colors and winter white-scape. Of course the summer shots were also beautiful. A good book for your own or for a gift.

Gleason really excelled in books of this kind, he really knew how to capture these old grand buildings. This book is first rate and it covers all of the well known homes as well as some that may not be so familiar. All of his books of this genre are consistantly top notch. The colors are vibrant and just pop off the page. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the grandeur of the Old South, it's just amazing how many of these houses survived the Civil War, with battles often within earshot of the veranda.

Beautiful photos, good text, but awkward size (doesn't fit on book shelf)

In my opinion this coffee table book is the one by which all others should be judged. Gleason is one fine professional photographer who needs to expand into yet more regions on this same subject of old plantation homes