Louisiana Books

As an expatriate Quarterite of beau coup years duration, living there from 1964 through 1985, I found this delightful compilation to be a bit like taking a stroll through the old neighborhood. The characters spring to life fully formed in their unforgetable settings, recreating a palpable experience of all the yats and dawlins who make life in the Crescent City almost tolerable...

The array of writing styles, perspectives, insights, and entertainment make this book an absolute treasure. As an outsider looking into the ghostly history of the Crescent City, research for my book could take me only so far. Joshua Clark gathered up so much that is mystical, ethereal, and nearly transparent that would otherwise escape the notice of those of us who have limited time in New Orleans. In the aftermath of Katrina, this book becomes a greater treasure, enlivening the fadding echoes of the old neighborhoods, bars, back streets, and the lives of people we would otherwise never encounter.

Reading this book is like savoring a box of very expensive chocolates. Each story is its own wonderous delight. Much like a Whitman's Sampler, there is something here for everyone. Up and coming writers like John Verlenden and Joe Longo more than hold their own alongside the great ones...and, no doubt, will join them one day soon. A perfect bedside companion...timeless and compelling.

I've never even been to New Orleans and yet love this
anthology. These are astounding stories, plain and
simple. And will leave you with a better sense of that
famous neighborhood than if you'd spent every Mardi
Gras there for the last 20 years.

Tenessee Williams' previously unpublished piece, a thing of incomparable beauty, is the most harrowing autobiographical account I have ever read of him, providing unparalleled insight to his soul. Ellen Gilchrist's piece is joyful as an angel's whisper. This collection is one one to be savored time and again.

All the reviews are right on; this book is wonderful for many reasons. I was compelled to read beyond the end of the story into "Notes on Sources," where, on page 240, I found a paragraph about the Chalmette High School's post-storm video on the St. Bernard Parish school Web site at: www.stbernard.k12.la.us/ Click on "Our Story" in the left panel. It is excellent and will touch you deeply.

A great storyteller with unusual sensitivity to the unique aspects of the a diverse people relates their tales of heroism/survival during the harrowing days of and following Hurricane Katrina.

Seldom do I read a book that I just can't put down, but this book was just that! Except for the bare necessities of living for those 15 hours or so, I just soaked up every page like the proverbial sponge. I live in Louisiana and have experienced several serious hurricanes - in Jena during Audrey in the 50s, then in Baton Rouge for Betsy and Camille in the 60s. Since the 70s, I've lived in the northeast Louisiana Mississippi River Delta and rarely feel much effect from hurricanes except for the increased rains, winds, and tornadoes. We experienced Gustav just this year in a much more catastrophic way than usual. Katrina brought us evacuees that lived with us for 4 months. Therefore, I felt connected to the author's stories about the storm, its devastation and, subsequently, its snails-paced recovery. The personal stories of the peoples' lives in Terrebonne and St. Bernard were gripping, and I could tell the author's commitment and connectedness to the people. Some of his most interesting work was the description of how the lower parishes were settled by the Acadians, Ilenas, and others who remain committed to their homes in that area to this very day. I hear people say, "That place is just uninhabitable....why do they keep going back.....how could they rebuild after what they've gone through." Reading this work of their proud heritage, I can say that I now have a greater understanding of why they go back. It is their home.

Although I knew Ken Wells was a great writer after thoroughly enjoying his novels, this book was a completely different experience. It blew me away--although not literally, as happened to some of the people interviewed for this true account of hurricane Katrina in the parishes where the hurricane hit before New Orleans. The story was gripping, moving, and informative. Wells provides not only the riveting first person accounts of riding out the storm and the slow, subsequent recovery, but much useful background information about the culture of the area, as well as meteorological and political information about contributing causes of the disaster. I truly couldn't stop reading.

Ken Wells can write. Let me repeat this fact. Ken Wells can write. If you like the grittiness of Rick Bragg or the majesty of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea, you will like this book.

I am a reader, presumably readers of these reviews share this avocation. My greatest joy is what I call being "stopped" while reading a book. By this I mean reading a line so beautiful or thoughtful that I am actually stopped. I am forced to put down the book and let the words pour over me. Again and again Mr. Wells' prose stopped me.

Good Pirates is the story of courageous men and women fighting not only Hurricane Katrina, but for a way of life and a piece of America that most of their fellow countrymen do not even know exists. Wells, born and bred very near these bayous, knows these folks and their land in his soul --- and it shows.

The courage of good pirates like Ricky Robin and the drama of their fight against Hurricane Katrina and what is called modern progress is inspiring. The site of the battleground, essentially the same land where the Battle of New Orleans was fought in 1812, is the swampy end of America where Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico occupy the same space. The land is described by Mr. Wells so beautifully that it is as breathtaking as the book's narrative of the struggle of man versus nature. The following excerpt is an example:

"Uplanders might find the greater landscape monotonous, the way a driver across Kansas might finally declare the endless canvas of golden wheat fields monochromatic. But bayou folk never tire of it., for they divine, in observations steeped in time, how these landscapes shift with the light and the tides and the seasons; how routinely they give up their wonders and their mysteries. Round the right bend in the summer twilight on the road to Delacroix Island and you might catch a bull alligator nosing out to feed, carving a V-shaped ripple on still waters painted by a dying sun. Or you can watch pelicans clowning above schools of cavorting porpoises not a half mile down from Ricky Robin's house, where the MR-GO meets sleepy Bayou La Loutre. Or you might drive the back road to Yscloskey in the fall and be startled by the sudden appearance of a marauding school of redfish in a placid lagoon that looks like it's been there for ten thousand years."

Mr. Wells has been a journalist for over thirty years, including stints at the Miami Herald and the Wall Street Journal. He has lived in Miami, San Francisco and London and now lives and works in the Manhattan area and works for a Conde Naste publication. However, this book proves that you can not take the bayou out of the boy.

Mr. Wells told Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air that the recognition that his life growing up on Bayou Black in Louisiana was markedly different than his fellow reporters came while working in his Wall Street Journal office. He realized that because of his bayou roots, he was probably the only person in the room that had ever skinned a possum. This epiphany led him to write his Faulkneresque Catahoula Bayou trilogy of life in south Louisiana

This saga of The Good Pirates of the Forgotten Bayous is compelling; but the real joy is experiencing the writing of Ken Wells.

This is a great book by a great writer, telling a most compelling and inspiring story of real people and a forgotten land.

I live in Lake Charles, Louisiana. My mom was 11 when Audrey came through. I still remember the stories I was told about the horrible storm. The media tried to make the people from Cameron look like they were too stupid to get out. I am glad this book is out to explain how the storm came in that morning instead of the evening. I know that living on the gulf coast is the chance you take, but back then they just didn't have the resources we have now. Hurricanes will come and go, but anyone who went through Audrey, or anyone who has family who went through Audrey, will never forget it.

This is a fabulous book! My husband was 10 years old and lived through Hurrican Audrey in Avoyelles Parish as the storm made it's way through the state. He has always talked about this storm.

The author puts you right into the lives of the people in Cameron Parish. It is a tribute to those families and their "will to survive". I couldn't put it down!

Hurricane Audrey: The Deadly Storm of 1957 This book is riveting! The author writes first person accounts of six families who survived this terrifying storm. I felt as if I knew these people as neighbors and the small community they lived in where so many lives are inter-connected. Read this book if you love being immersed in a story and removed from your every day routines.

I live in the Florida Panhandle. I have evacuated my home twice in the past three years. I know the unpredictability of nature and the power to destroy. "Hurricane Audrey" took me into the hearts and minds of the courageous families that have made my life safer. My mother warned me that I would not put this book down until I had finished. I called her in tears several times as I "lived" this storm. I will always be grateful for Sybil, and Geneva, and Alice, but most of all for Cathy C. Post who has written this incredible book. As a nation, we are better prepared for tragedy through the lessons leaned in Audrey. Thank you "Ladies of the Storm" for your gift of survival and sharing. I recommend this book above any that I have read in recent years!

I was so overwhelmed with the incredible descriptions of events and emotions in this book that I contacted the author. I needed to know more about the "Ladies of the Storm" to whom the book is dedicated. Cathy Post experienced Audrey as a child and lost family members to the storm. Over a long period, the author built a trust with "The Ladies" who were finally willing to share their stories with "one of their own." This compelling story needed to be told to document the events, the struggles and the unwavering courage it took to survive. The essence is revealed in the line, "The really great men are always simple and good." Along with their women. This is a book to cherish and to share. It needs national recognition as it is the story of the American Spirit! And to think that almost 50 years later, Hurricane Rita would strike in the same Cameron Parish and destroy 95% of the town----again.

Great regimental history and story of the 1st LA "Tiger" Bde. To learn more about the "orginal" Tigers, Wheat's 1st Louisiana Special Battalion, read: The First Louisiana Special Battalion: Wheat's Tigers in the Civil War.

This book is a fascinating and intriguing account of the 6th Louisiana. While Gannon named his book Irish Rebels and covered the majority Irish members, he does give due to the Louisianians and other immigrants who made up the regiment. I was grateful to see this as my ggggrandfather was one of those members in a company from outside of New Orleans, Company C, the St. Landry (Parish) Light Guards and to see the action his unit took part in on paper was a great experience. It gave a story to my grandfather's participation in the War I never knew!

I stumbled onto this book while researching my family history, and was absolutely taken with the story of these men. Gannon is a gifted writer with a reverence for his subject, respect for the facts and sources, and a warm narrative style. This book is a treat to read, and in doing so you will not only develop a personal interest in the lives of these brave Irish men, but you will understand how their lives impacted the nation we have become. Irish Rebels is a marvelous story, told by a master!

A very personal portrayal of a predominately Irish brigade from New Orleans fighting for the south. The enigma is that this regiment had the highest percentage of Irish in any brigade plus they were linked with the famed Wheat's Tigers plus they fought in Virginia during the entire Civil War. This is particularly impressive since New Orleans was captured so early in the war and the 6th Louisiana virtually became orphans in regards to State support. Much like the famed Kentucky Brigade. Gannon is a excellent writer that through intensive research provides flowing first hand accounts particularly from the brigade priest and Captain Ring. The high point of the book is the close up look at where the brigade participated in major campaigns and battles. They were a key part of the Valley Campaign, particularly Port Republic, the Seven days, Cedar Mountain, both Bull runs, Gettysburg, Early's Valley campaign including the threat to Washington and the disasters at Cedar Creek and Fort Steadman. The best gem in the book is the section on the capture of Rappahannock Station, which was an isolated bridgehead for Lee's army located on the north side of the river. This fascinating break down in strategy and command is very well focused and told in detail because the luckless 6th is one of the 3,000 troops that virtually get overwhelmed and captured in a sudden attack by large numbers. This little told event precedes Grant's arrival but seems to reveal problems in southern command caused by the lost of key officers and the strain of a long war on the Confederate supplies. The sadness of the brigade is captured as it is progressively whittled to only 50 odd survivors at Appomattox.

As the author of this book, it is not my place to review it. However, I thought Amazon customers would be interested in what some published reviews have said about my book. Here are some quotes from reviews of Irish Rebels, Confederate Tigers, with the publication noted: "Irish Rebels, Confederate Tigers ....is a full-blown regimental history of a Confederate regiment that stands second to none in the Confederate Army. Raised in New Orleans, this unit fought from First Manassas to Appomattox Court House....IRCT is a first-rate regimental history...There is no published history of the unit so the author had to dig hard and long to come up with many scraps of material to put this work together. He writes a smoothly flowing narrative....you can get to know the men and care about them....It is one of the best this reviewer has seen in a long time."--Mike Cavanaugh, in Civil War News, April 1999.

"James P. Gannon, a former Wall Street Journal editor fascinated with the role of Irish immigrants in the Confederacy, takes his place with other distinguished military historians by adopting, and even improving upon, this classic literary form....This is careful history, backed by more than 100 pages of notes, individual biographies and source material....meticulous research...." --Duncan Spencer, The Washington Times, Aug. 29, 1988.

"James Gannon makes this unit come alive. The book is that rare work which combines the prose of a good novel with the solid research of a piece of classic history. Gannon is a former editor of the Wall Street Journal and the Des Moines Register. His journalist background is evidence on every page." --Gary Joiner, The Shreveport (La.) Times.

"Gannon's book is one of the best I have ever seen on the history of a Civil War regiment. The listing of members is a great research aid for any family historian. This beautiful hardcover volume...contains 388 pages with photos and illustrations and maps." --Damon Veach, The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

I heard about Kate Cumming at a Celtic festival in Virginia where Irish singer and songwriter Jed Marum (SOUL OF A WANDERER) told her story, talked about her diary and sang two beautiful songs that her life inspired him to write. I knew I had to read the book, and I was NOT disappointed!

Kate's devotion to her adopted homeland and her deep faith are inspiring. Her thoughts and feelings about the war and her battle front experience evolve over the 3 years of the diary - and they are eloquently expressed in its pages. This book is a treasure!

Kate's is a remarkable story, and this journal in her own words unfolds over the difficult days of the US Civil War. Kate Cumming is a fine, educated, intelligent and articulate woman. She is a woman of deep faith and lasting patience. Her journal passes on to us the daily routine, the sufferings of war and the deepest reflections of this noteworthy woman. The text is riveting, moving, thought provoking. The book is history from a very personal perspective - one well worth reading.

Excellant Book covers areas of the war not gone over by others, I do Confederate Cemetery Research and she has in her Journal name of men who did and some unit information, that has help to lead to I.D.ing 5 Soldiers not listed in to N.Ga. cemeteries before

This book is the masterfully written journal of Kate Cumming. Miss Cumming was a confederate
nurse during the Civil War. Like Clara Barton in the north, Kate cares for hundreds of the suffering soldiers. Miss Cumming works at Corinth, Mississippi toward the start of the book. Here at Corinth men are brought in every day from the bloody battlefield of Shiloh. She works in Chattanooga for a few months. Also she did her duty as a nurse in Mobile, Alabama(her hometown) Kate relates in her flowing writing the many thoughts that ran through her mind during those long, hard, years. She tells of how much faith in God these men had. This really touched me. Kate said, while speaking of the men's faith, that she had not met one man in her hospital that did not know the Lord. This is quite a statement! To think of all that these men went through at Shiloh, Stone's River, and so many others! I would highly recommend this book because it reveals the true history from a woman who lived at the time and was a witness to these events in our country's history.

Kate's journal is amazingly well-written, and, as I said in my title, it is obvious from reading it that she is a true Southern lady.

When I consider how I write any old thing, any old way, in my own journals, I am impressed by the way Kate kept all the wartime news- both on the battlefield and in her private life- so nicely organized. Don't let the word "organized" fool you, though, into thinking it is boring. This journal is anything but dull. Kate's writing style is intelligent, personal, detailed, and extremely interesting; the amazing part is that most of it is written whenever she can snatch a moment to herself from her nursing duties.

From reading Kate's journal one quickly sees her devotion to the South and its "cause" for freedom. She was not a nurse before the war, but when the war began she volunteered to become one. As a nurse, she showed great compassion for the soldiers, doing everything in her power to alleviate their suffering and to make their stay in the hospital as pleasant as possible, under the terrible circumstances in which she worked. Sometimes her burden would seem too heavy, and she would almost make up her mind to quit, but her determination to be patriotic and her compassion for her patients would change her mind.

Kate Cumming was a true lady, and this fact also made her journal enjoyable. She is well-mannered; for instance, when she does dislike someone she exercises reserve in writing about them, even though she is writing in her private journal. She does greatly dislike "Yankees", but instead of simply raving bitterly about them, she relates the incidents that cause her to dislike them. Overall, Kate is quiet and observant, and likes to write about the better things that occur in her life (something as simple as meeting a friend on the train, or having something extra nice for dinner) rather than dwell negatively on the hardships that she was experiencing.

I highly recommend this wartime journal for anyone interested in a truly personal account of a nurse during the Civil War. The fact that Kate was a Southerner makes it even more interesting, because on the whole she went through more than her Northern counterparts did. She was a patriotic lady, and her attitude throughout the war makes her journal a pleasure to read.

As a product of the baby boom generation, I grew up taking for granted the post-war, "Leave It To Beaver" cozy atmosphere of the '50's and early '60's. Despite the Cold War, I was rather unconcerned about war and its effects on real people. Then Viet Nam came along and many of us developed a distain for any kind of military engagement. The Viet Nam war did not evoke any spirit of patriotism as WWII had done. After reading this book, I realized how much WWII and those who fought in it affected the lives of those they left behind, and the generations to come. These were ordinary men, some recently out of high school or college who rose to the challenge of defending freedom for us and our allies. They willingly left behind comfortable, safe lives to answer the call of duty. The passages in this book describing the plane being hit, the author and his fellow crew members bailing out, facing more enemy gunfire and possible death were gripping. The account of prison camp life was interesing and entertaining. I was impressed with the ingenuity of the prisoners. This book and others like it should be mandatory for high school history classes. We should all be grateful to this "Greatest Generation."

A few years ago I went to visit my uncle Joe in Florida for his 80th birthday. He was shot down by the Germans on Nov. 30, 1944 and spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. For the first time he told me the whole story of his capture, internment and repatriation. By chance I purchased Kriegie a few months later and it was as if my uncle were telling the whole story over word-for-word. It turns out it was the same camp. I sent him the book and he verifies every interesting detail. This is a wonderful book and entirely accurate. A must read!

As a product of the baby boom generation, I grew up taking for granted the post-war, "Leave It To Beaver" cozy atmosphere of the '50's and early '60's. Despite the Cold War, I was rather unconcerned about war and its effects on real people. Then Viet Nam came along and many of us developed a distain for any kind of military engagement. The Viet Nam war did not evoke any spirit of patriotism as WWII had done. After reading this book, I realized how much WWII and those who fought in it affected the lives of those they left behind, and the generations to come. These were ordinary men, some recently out of high school or college who rose to the challenge of defending freedom for us and our allies. They willingly left behind comfortable, safe lives to answer the call of duty. The passages in this book describing the plane being hit, the author and his fellow crew members bailing out, facing more enemy gunfire and possible death were gripping. The account of prison camp life was interesing and entertaining. I was impressed with the ingenuity of the prisoners. This book and others like it should be mandatory for high school history classes. We should all be grateful to this "Greatest Generation."

As a product of the baby boom generation, I grew up taking for granted the post-war, "Leave It To Beaver" cozy atmosphere of the '50's and early '60's. Despite the Cold War, I was rather unconcerned about war and its effects on real people. Then Viet Nam came along and many of us developed a distain for any kind of military engagement. The Viet Nam war did not evoke any spirit of patriotism as WWII had done. After reading this book, I realized how much WWII and those who fought in it affected the lives of those they left behind, and the generations to come. These were ordinary men, some recently out of high school or college who rose to the challenge of defending freedom for us and our allies. They willingly left behind comfortable, safe lives to answer the call of duty. The passages in this book describing the plane being hit, the author and his fellow crew members bailing out, facing more enemy gunfire and possible death were gripping. The account of prison camp life was interesing and entertaining. I was impressed with the ingenuity of the prisoners. This book and others like it should be mandatory for high school history classes. We should all be grateful to this "Greatest Generation."

A wonderful "slice-of-POW-life"story! This is a must-read for everyone, but especially for those of my "baby-boom" generation who have enjoyed the fruits of the "Greatest Generation's" sacrifices. This is a very well-written and concise account of this author's training, his ill-fated bombing mission over France, and his imprisonment by the Germans. While the details of combat and solitary confinement are compelling, the stories of the POW's spirit and ingenuity are heartwarming. The author emphasizes that he was one of the lucky ones -- a very humble remark from someone who endured such hardships. I thank Oscar Richard for his hardships and sacrifices during the war, and I also thank him for telling his great story.

I had read his earlier book, Lowcountry Boil, and enjoyed it. This one, in my opinion, is even better. It is the sort of book that it is hard to put down; you end up staying up late to read more. I thoroughly enjoyed it - fast moving action, with great character development and story-telling abilities.

A page turner as was his earlier work; Lowcountry Boil. Best get you a copy.

I just finished this book, the second one that features Sam Larkin, the hottest hero of 2006. It is fast paced, full of the flavor and characters of New Orleans and has you wishing it would go on and on. Hey, Carl T. Smith, How about more adventures of Sam Larkin?

Award-finalist writer Carl T. Smith presents Louisiana Burn, a dark novel following the continued adventures of Sam Larken, former environmental law enforcement officer and ex-con. Though Larken is highly familiar with violence, he is content to remain amid the relative quietude of his South Carolina home - until his erstwhile lover and federal officer Karen Chaney cajoles him away. Manipulated into an investigation concerning Thornton Hunnycut, the man who unjustly sent Sam to prison twelve years ago and who has become a potential candidate for the vice presidency, Sam must delve into Louisiana's seamy underbelly, even though he is forbidden by his release agreement to return to the state. A suspenseful novel of lies, deception, and revenge, Louisiana Burn irresistibly draws the reader in and does not let go until the end. Also highly recommended is the first Sam Larken novel, "Lowcountry Boil".

LOUISIANA BURN is a mystery but not in the "who-done-it," detective, private investigator or police procedural sub-genres. The protagonist, Sam Larkin, is an ex-con who was ensnared in a sham trial in Louisiana. The mystery is why he was framed and then released after serving only a few years of his sentence, given a large sum of money and all records of his trial and conviction expunged. One condition for his unexplained release is that he never returns to Louisiana. So Sam, having divorced his wife while in prison, buys a home on Mathews Island in the South Carolina lowcountry. All that is back story derived from the prequel novel, LOWCOUNTRY BOIL, which I did not read.

LOUISIANA BURN begins when Karen Chancy, a DEA agent and Sam's lover in LOWCOUNTRY BOIL, seduces him to return to the Gulf Coast to help her investigate Thornton Hunnycut, the judge at Sam's trial. Hunnycut, now a United States senator, is on the short list for vice presidential candidate.

Although there are a few puzzles and twists, the struggle in this story is how to get the villains, not to figure out who they are. The characters are well developed, three-dimensional folk, the writing clear and good, and the sensuous details on food and scenery are sufficient without being tedious.

Yet, I had some problems. Why would the FBI turn over the investigation of a senator to the DEA? The reunion between Sam and his former wife seemed unrealistic. And in the end, when you add up net gain to the villains, the reason for framing Sam in the first place is not convincingly explained.

Overall, a good read with plausibility problems.

Admiral Semmes allows us to truly feel the times and to touch our hearts with Southern pride and honor.

The only bad thing I can say about this book is that on a very few occasions Semmes tends to get into some scholarly explanations about natural phenomena that, while interesting, slow the pace of the reading some.

Otherwise, Semmes tells of his adventures on the high seas with clarity and wit. The book's first few chapters give his legally sound (Semmes was also a lawyer) justifications of the Southern case for secession and his participation in the preparation for equipping a navy from practically nothing.

The Alabama's defeat of the iron-plated USS Hatteras and the final battle with the USS Kearsarge are there in detail in addition to the tale of her very successful commerce raiding upon the civilian commerce of the North.

Contrary to the rabid Northern newspapers of the time, Semmes reveals himself and his officers to be the gentlemanly knights of the high seas in stark contrast to the conniving Federal consuls who, in nearly every port, attempted to foil the Confederate sailors' coaling and supplying of the ship despite international maritime law that allowed it.

Semmes most effectively fought the mercantile world empire of the Union, all the while working within the confines of maritime law. (The few actions of his that were officially disputed were eventually settled in his favour.) This, again, is in contrast to the Federal navy that, under Welles' and Seward's leadership, played the bully and ignored international law when it was inconvenient.

The CSS Alabama (along with a few other CS ships) virtually shut down the US merchant marine -- a blow from which it never fully recovered. His fight with the Kearsarge proved to be the last best use of a ship that was otherwise bound to be blockaded in port by the Federal navy (that proved itself remarkably inept, apparently cowardly, and negligent in its mission to stop Semmes).

I found this book to be a refreshing insight into the exploits of one of the most interesting naval men of his era. Semmes comes across as a man that prizes duty to his beliefs as the soul motivation to his actions. This dispels any of the myth that he was a pirate as often historicaly believed.While many pages are devoted to navigation and tidal patterns,which can be a bit boring to the non-seaman, the book is excellent overall.

In another life Semmes might have been a poet or artist. Circumstances forced him to become the greatest seaman in the 19th century. I have read from an independant source that Kaiser Wilhelm insisted his high ranking officers read this book in preperation for the First World War. The Norths hypocracy is shameful. This book is by far the greatest review written by anyone on either side of the war. Sadly political correctness has kept Semmes greatness buried at this point.

The book begins with an arguement for states rights which history has failed to record as the primary cause of the civil war. He goes into a detailed analysis of his beliefs and he reflects the thinking of his times. His story then goes into detail of his exploits as the greatest privateer in the history of naval warfare. Had he been on the winning side his name would be mentioned in the same breath as Grant and Sherman. Can anyone name one US naval officer that served in the civil war? His story takes the reader from Annapolis to New Orleans to the South Pacific to Gibraltar and to the final demise of the CSS Alabama off the coast of France. His tale explains his actions and defends them with an indepth look at maritime law. He explains the laws involved with a detail and style that makes it easy for anyone to understand. His story should not be allowed to fade into past. It is something from a terrible time that should be looked at by naval officers today. He is a man to be honored, not cast away as a pirate

We travel to and through Louisiana quite a bit. Because of this, I tend to pick up books about Louisiana, particularly Louisiana history. I bought this book because I liked the pictures. However, once I began reading this book, I realized that there was much more to the cemeteries than interesting statues. I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this book and found it as informative as it was interesting.

This book begins with an introduction about cemeteries in Louisiana and then covers different cemeteries in Louisiana. Generally there is a history of the cemetery, an accounting of some of the more famous people buried in each cemetery and a lot of information.

For someone visiting Louisiana, particularly someone who is considering a tour of the cemeteries, this book is a must.

Filled with lovely photographs, this book is both entertaining and educational. It gives a brief history of the whys and wherefores of the burial practices in southern Louisiana, as well as describing how the tombs are cared for in the present. It also makes a great guide, if one is planning to visit the cemeteries in and around New Orleans. Easy to read, but never insulting to one's intelligence, this book gives a fascinating view of the cities of the dead.

I would never have went to New Orleans without visiting at least one of the famous above ground cemeteries - I was not disappointed! The history behind them is fascinating. They're built above ground, so that when there is any kind of flooding, the bodies don't float away since New Orleans is 700?ft below sea level. What was really neat to me though, is that one tomb, could and would be used for many generations of the same family. I thought it was a comforting thought to know that you wouldn't be burried alone, but in the exact same place as your ancestors. I think New Orleans people celebrate death, not that they're glad someone is gone, but that they're glad they had the chance to live and love them! There is just a kind of magic about the cemeteries, especially St. Louis #1, the oldest cemetery in the area. The photo's in this book capture that magic! Unfortunately, the section on #1 is small. This book includes many of the cemeteries including St. Louis 2 and 3, and Metairie, which is one of the nicest and most [costly] ones. I highly recommend this book for it's information and photography! If you go to see #1, it is in a not-so-good crime area that is improving, but make sure you go with a tour! The tour guides always have some interesting extra info!

I was very pleased with this book and read it from cover to cover.Besides having a fascinating text it's loaded with beautiful pictures, including a set of pictures of Anne Rice doing a publicity shoot in one of New Orleans's cemeteries.I really wasn't that familiar with the history of the burial grounds in New Orleans and I learned a LOT from this book. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who's into cemeteries, funeral history, and Anne Rice!

Rob Florence's book is hands-down the best book on New Orleans cemeteries I have found--and, believe me, I've looked. I'm researching cemeteries. Not only is there tons of information, but he has also included personal stories of people who have loved ones entombed as well as of some who are entombed. I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Florence recently, and he is a walking and talking encyclopedia of knowledge. If you're taking a trip to New Orleans, sign up now to take one of his tours through Historic New Orleans Tours. You won't be disappointed. Before you do that, though, BUY THIS BOOK to take along with you!

this book should prove useful for readers looking for a well-written, intelligent, and accessible introduction to this often very difficult and enigmatic thinker. hollingdale tackles head on many common misconceptions of nietzsche (i.e. that he was a nihilist, an anti-semite, a fascist) through the use of extensive quotes and poignant commentary. we see the development of his thought, from his youthful admiration of wagner and schopenhauer, through to his mature explications of the idea of life as will to power, and the theme of eternal recurrence. for the disciplined student this book proves to be of great value as well, offering insights into the personality of the man himself, through numerous letters and recollections from those who knew him most intimately. this is a great biography, respectful and humane, but also willing to acknowledge nietzsche's shortcomings and possible confusions as to his own state of mind and health.

Anyone interested in a lucid,fair,nonsense and distortion-free overview of Nietzsche's writings and life could do no better than to start here.Hollingdale avoids what the usual crowd of Nietzsche biographers and explainers and interpreters stumble over.Here you will not find the deconstructionist nonsense of Gilles Deleuze or the turning of Nietzsche into a contradictor of his own writings a la Heidegger.Perhaps no philosopher in history has had so many bad advocates and screeching and intentionally misleading and misinterpreting critics as Nietzsche.So much fetid,vapid and idiotic writing has enveloped Nietzsche that it threatens to destroy the philosopher altogheter.The future of Nietzsche scholarship needs many more individuals like R.J. Hollingdale if one of the most profound,original and critically important figures of the modern world is to be given proper justice.More importantly the public sorely needs to have the means to better understand why this philosopher is the axis on which all philosophy of the last century turns.Most of what Nietzsche wrote is still terribly misunderstood and reviled for no good reason.Hollingdale is one of the few,but hopefully the beginning of a flood of well thought out,accurate and sober scholars who will help integrate this most fascinating and courageous philosopher into our public discourse and common knowledge.

Hollingdale worked side by side with the dean of all Nietzsche scholars, Walter Kaufmann, for many years. His biography of Nietzsche parallels Kaufmann's groundbreaking study "Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist", a watershed in American Nietzsche scholarship. While Kaufmann's work has been eclipsed (see R. Schacht's "Nietzsche") in terms of philosophical sophistication, Holligdale's biography of Nietzsche remains the very best in detail, breadth, cogency, and intimacy. Its style is unobtrusive and flowing, making it easily accessible to both the everyday reader and the student of the history of ideas. It is indispensible to anyone with even the slightest interest in Nietzsche.

Hollingdale's biography/analysis of Nietzsche and his philosophy was an unexpected delight. I had already read Walter Kaufmann's translations of Nietzsche's major works when I came upon Hollingdale's volume; expecting little, I was amazed at the additional insights the author offered into Nietzsche's thought and world outlook. I would recommend this book to anyone who is new to Nietzsche - who would like to learn something of his philosophy, but who has held back because they feel Nietzsche, and perhaps, philosophy in general, is too remote or difficult.
Believe me, Hollingdale's volume will usher you, gently, into Nietzsche's world, and make you hungry for more. Nietzsche, himself, in "Thus Spake Zarathustra" had his protaganist announce, "I am the railing by the rushing torrent - grasp me if you can; your crutch I am not!" Like Nietzsche, Hollingdale does not seek disciples -- he explains the basic concepts of Nietzsche's philosophy with cool detachment, and offers them to the reader as a launchpad from which the reader can, if he/she wishes, soar, exploring Nietzsche's world for themselves, drawing their own conclusions. Nietzsche, the enemy of blind adherence, would have heartily approved such an approach. This is the man who said, "if you wish to strive after peace of soul and happiness, then believe; if you wish to be a disciple of truth, then inquire!" Enjoy the Journey!

Anyone interested in a lucid,fair,nonsense and distortion-free overview of Nietzsche's writings and life could do no better than to start here.Hollingdale avoids what the usual crowd of Nietzsche biographers and explainers and interpreters stumble over.Here you will not find the deconstructionist nonsense of Gilles Deleuze or the turning of Nietzsche into a contradictor of his own writings a la Heidegger.Perhaps no philosopher in history has had so many bad advocates and screeching and intentionally misleading and misinterpreting critics as Nietzsche.So much fetid,vapid and idiotic writing has enveloped Nietzsche that it threatens to destroy the philosopher altogheter.The future of Nietzsche scholarship needs many more individuals like R.J. Hollingdale if one of the most profound,original and critically important figures of the modern world is to be given proper justice.More importantly the public sorely needs to have the means to better understand why this philosopher is the axis on which all philosophy of the last century turns.Most of what Nietzsche wrote is still terribly misunderstood and reviled for no good reason.Hollingdale is one of the few,but hopefully the beginning of a flood of well thought out,accurate and sober scholars who will help integrate this most fascinating and courageous philosopher into our public discourse and common knowledge.