Huey Long Invades New Orleans: The Siege of a City, 1934-36

by Garry Boulard

Relying heavily on interviews with more than two dozen people who vividly recall the conflict, the author reveals what led Huey Long to order 3,000 militiamen into New Orleans.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[embo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, after 4 years I finished this book.
3 1/2 stars

Huey Long is a fascinating figure in US history, just as fascinating as all the people (supporters and enemies of the politician) surrounding him. It was a fascinating read, peppered with tiny details to make the time period come alive. Highly recommend.

[Lauren Leonard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this for class. Hated it. Louisiana is now among my least favorite states and Huey Long destroyed a lot of the good they had going and was basically a dictator ?

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not knowing anything about Huey Long accept that he had been assassinated. After finishing this book, I don't know what to think and that's a good thing. At times I felt like Long was the savior of New Orleans and at times I was convinced he was the dictator others claimed he was. Boulard does a very good job giving an even handed account of a clearly polarizing figure.

Not only is it a balanced book but it is also easy to read and engaging. It doesn't read like a typical historical book. When the book ends it makes you want to go and research just to find out more about this fascinating man. Not only Huey Long, but also a number of other interesting people's lives are explored in this book as you see the good and bad effects Long had on his state.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was in New Orleans. Huey Long makes more sense when you're there. This is a type of book where the author can easily slip into rant of preconceptions. Fortunately, it doesn't happen here. We get the story and a reasonably fair-handed account.