Storyville in Literature
The iconic characters, vibrant culture, and rich history of Storyville have inspired countless books, serving as a gateway to a hidden world that is beautifully captured in literature and poetry. Bring the legends to life by indulging in history on the page.
Empire of Sin
Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans
by Gary Krist
The tumultuous history of New Orleans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book weaves together the stories of the city's underworld, including the rise of jazz, notorious crimes, and the battle between reformers and vice operators in the infamous Storyville district. Through a rich narrative and meticulous research, Krist portrays a city in conflict, where cultural and social transformations shaped the modern identity of New Orleans.
The Last Madam
The Last Madam: A Life in the New Orleans Underworld
by Christine Waltz
Chronicles the intriguing life of Norma Wallace, the last great madam of New Orleans. Set against the backdrop of the city's vibrant underworld, the book explores Wallace's rise to power, her influence over the city's vice industry, and her complex personal life. Through candid interviews, historical documents, and vivid storytelling, Waltz paints a compelling portrait of a woman who navigated the challenges of a changing world while leaving an indelible mark on New Orleans' colorful history.
Storyville, New Orleans
Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District
by Al Rose
A comprehensive and vividly illustrated account of Storyville, the famed red-light district of New Orleans. The book delves into the history, culture, and personalities that shaped this notorious area from its establishment in 1897 until its closure in 1917. Through meticulous research, Rose paints a detailed picture of the district's thriving nightlife, jazz music, and social dynamics, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal era of New Orleans' colorful past.
Storyville, A Novel
Storyville, A Novel
by Lois Battle
A captivating historical fiction set in the early 20th century, centered around the vibrant and tumultuous life of New Orleans' infamous red-light district, Storyville. The novel follows the intertwined lives of its richly drawn characters, exploring themes of love, ambition, and survival against the backdrop of a society grappling with change. Battle's evocative storytelling and attention to historical detail bring to life the allure and complexity of this unique and often misunderstood part of New Orleans' history.
Spectacular Wickedness
Spectacular Wickedness: Sex, Race, and Memory in Storyville, New Orleans
by Emily Epstein Landau
An in-depth examination of the social, racial, and cultural dynamics of New Orleans' famed red-light district. The book explores how Storyville was not only a hub of vice and entertainment but also a complex space where issues of race, class, and gender intersected. Through a critical analysis of historical records, Landau sheds light on the ways in which the district's legacy has been remembered and mythologized, providing a nuanced understanding of its impact on New Orleans and beyond.
Madam
Madam: A Novel of New Orleans
by Cari Lynn & Kellie Martin
A gripping historical novel set in the vibrant and decadent world of early 20th-century New Orleans. The story follows Mary Deubler, a woman who rises from poverty to become one of the most powerful madams in the infamous Storyville district. Through Mary's journey, the novel explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of independence in a male-dominated society. Rich with historical detail, Madam captures the allure and complexity of New Orleans during a transformative era.
Josie Arlington’s Storyville
Josie Arlington’s Storyville: The Life and Times of a New Orleans Madam
by Marita Woywod Crandle
The fascinating life of Josie Arlington, one of the most prominent madams in New Orleans' notorious Storyville district. The book offers a detailed look at Josie's rise to prominence, her influence within the city's red-light district, and the broader social and cultural landscape of early 20th-century New Orleans. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Crandle provides a compelling portrait of a woman who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on the history of Storyville.
Brothels, Depravity, and Abandoned Women
Brothels, Depravity, and Abandoned Women: Illegal Sex in Antebellum New Orleans
by Judith Kelleher Schafer
A compelling examination of the illicit sex trade in New Orleans before the Civil War. Drawing on court records, personal testimonies, and historical documents, Schafer explores the lives of women involved in prostitution, the legal and social challenges they faced, and the broader societal attitudes toward vice and morality. The book offers a nuanced look at the complexities of gender, race, and class in a city known for its permissive culture and legal contradictions during the antebellum period.
Guidebooks to Sin:
Blue Books of Storyville
Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans
by Pamela D. Arceneaux
A fascinating exploration of the infamous "blue books" that served as directories to the brothels and entertainment of Storyville, New Orleans' red-light district. Through meticulous research, Arceneaux examines these rare artifacts, shedding light on their historical significance, the lives of those featured within them, and the societal attitudes toward vice during the early 20th century. Richly illustrated and thoughtfully analyzed, the book provides a unique window into the culture and commerce of one of America's most notorious neighborhoods.