My Favorite Books About New Orleans

For a city of less than half a million people, New Orleans arguably has more books written about it, per capita, than any other American city. A city with such boundless culture is destined to be opined over. Every person has books that have resonated with them. Here is a list of my favorite books about New Orleans.

1 Dead in the Attic – Chris Rose

First, Chris Rose’s journal about life in New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina stands out. His dry and witty writing style showcase the absurdity and chaos of the urban wasteland that was New Orleans after the big storm. Mostly, he ability of the city’s residents to find hope amidst it all is inspiring.

Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole

Second, John Kennedy Toole wrote this novel in 1963, although it did not get published until 1980, eleven years after the author’s suicide. The book reads as a modern day version of Don Quixote, with the bumbling protagonist Ignatius J. Reilly leading the way. The novel does an excellent job of showcasing all of the different New Orleans archetypes, including the first nationwide recognition of the Yat subculture.

The Pirates Laffite – William C Davis

Third, Davis does a wonderful job of running through all the theories and legends about the two famous buccaneers based out of New Orleans. The two outlaws were famous for secrecy and misinformation. The author does not ally himself with one particular origin story or set of facts. Instead, he gives you all of the options and why each may, or may not, be plausible. From their upbringing, to their rise as pirates and slave smugglers, all the way to creating the island colony or Campeche, this book gives you all of the Lafitte details, both honorable and not.

The Accidental City – Lawrence Powell

The last of my favorite books about New Orleans covers history, geography, politics all in one. Ever wonder who decided to slap a major city on top of a swamp, mostly below sea-level, and surrounding by flood-prone waters? Or how it’s existence even remains possible? This book goes into all of the reasons and mistakes that lead to the location and structure of America’s most wonderful city.