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Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District
A true-to-life impression of Storyville, the only legally established red light district in the US
At the turn of the twentieth-century, there were hundreds of red-light districts in the United States, ranging in size from a discreet “house” or two in or near small towns and cities to block after bawdy block of brothels in larger cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. Storyville, New Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District seeks to offer the reader a reasonably true-to-life impression of Storyville, the most famous of the large districts and the only such district in the United States that was legally established.
Storyville was an area, carefully defined by law, outside of which prostitutes or women “notoriously abandoned to lewdness” were not permitted to live or work. Prostitutes working within the District were considered to be engaged in legal enterprises so long as they confined themselves to prostitution and other related activities such as dispensing food and drink to their customers.
From the early days of the French colony of Louisiana, a great number of prostitutes, women from correctional centers, and those with so-called “loose morals” were transported to the New World, resulting in a large proportion of the earliest female residents in New Orleans engaging in prostitution. During the course of Storyville’s legal existence from January 1, 1898 to November 12, 1917—it is evident that in establishing this district the New Orleans city council acted out of a sense of frustration after decades of attempting to deal rationally with a serious social problem. As the author says in the preface, “You may see this as a disorderly book about disorderly houses—and so it may be. But I doubt you will find it dull.”
At the turn of the twentieth-century, there were hundreds of red-light districts in the United States, ranging in size from a discreet “house” or two in or near small towns and cities to block after bawdy block of brothels in larger cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. Storyville, New Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District seeks to offer the reader a reasonably true-to-life impression of Storyville, the most famous of the large districts and the only such district in the United States that was legally established.
Storyville was an area, carefully defined by law, outside of which prostitutes or women “notoriously abandoned to lewdness” were not permitted to live or work. Prostitutes working within the District were considered to be engaged in legal enterprises so long as they confined themselves to prostitution and other related activities such as dispensing food and drink to their customers.
From the early days of the French colony of Louisiana, a great number of prostitutes, women from correctional centers, and those with so-called “loose morals” were transported to the New World, resulting in a large proportion of the earliest female residents in New Orleans engaging in prostitution. During the course of Storyville’s legal existence from January 1, 1898 to November 12, 1917—it is evident that in establishing this district the New Orleans city council acted out of a sense of frustration after decades of attempting to deal rationally with a serious social problem. As the author says in the preface, “You may see this as a disorderly book about disorderly houses—and so it may be. But I doubt you will find it dull.”
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 17, 2021
From January 1, 1898 to November 12, 1917, there existed in New Orleans an “exotic” and infamous section of the city known as The District by the inhabitants and as Storyville by others. It is often mistakenly believed that Jazz originated there (although it could claim credit for some Jazz Legends) and that Storyville was created to legalize prostitution. Prostitution wasn’t made “legal,” but it was specified as “illegal” outside of Storyville. In 1978, it regained notoriety in Louis Malle’s highly controversial movie, PRETTY BABY, which was set during Storyville’s final months.
Al Rose’s STORYVILLE, NEW ORLEANS is a fascinating book. It is not a narrative so much as it is an exploration of Storyville through a variety of themes. It describes the years just prior to the beginning of Storyville when the Crescent City was literally overrun by prostitution. A family could buy a home in a quiet street, and awaken a short time later to discover that a bordello had opened next door. People were accosted in the streets and while riding public transportation.
New Orleans created Storyville as its solution. And it was a very viable solution until the federal government, courtesy of the Department of the Navy, forced it to close down ... a step that some legal researchers have maintained was unconstitutional.
In his book, Rose introduces the Reader to many of Storyville’s inhabitants. He leads a guided tour through the most famous establishments. Day-to-day living is described. Two sections that I especially enjoyed were “The Music of Storyville” and “The Press of Storyville.” And throughout there are smatterings of the gossip, legends, and retellings of astonishing staged events that occurred with the confines of The District.
For the most part, the descriptions are handled with delicacy. Very little will appeal to those with a more salacious interest. But, there are previously unpublished glass plates from Storyville photographer, Ernest Bellocq ... who was very different from his portrayal in PRETTY BABY ... and a section entitled, “Some Anonymous Survivors of Storyville.” This latter consists of seven interviews with both the language and descriptions being much more graphic.
Storyville does conjure “romantic” images of a place where every erotic fantasy could be experienced. That is why I found it to be especially eye-opening to learn that the average visit to one of the houses lasted approximately 15-minutes. That included being admitted, having a drink, a dance, the upstairs session of sexual intimacy, and then out the front door. Storyville had perfected the Art of production line Prostitution which probably left most customers more dazed than satisfied.
For those who prefer a deep dive into history, the Appendicies include the entire text of the ordinance that created Storyville, a listing of all known musicians who worked there and the instruments they played, a complete issue of one of the tabloid newspapers, and “The Daily Picayune” newspaper’s complete account of Storyville’s most famous shootings.
Included in the anonymous interviews is one by “Violet.” I think it is more than a coincidence that this was the name of Brooke Shields’ character in PRETTY BABY as there are notable shared incidents.
Years ago, when my family visited New Orleans, we had a tour guide who was an absolute joy, providing a non-stop litany of “local color” as we traveled from place to place. STORYVILLE, NEW ORLEANS captures that sense of being shown the environs by someone who knows where all of the skeletons are hidden.
Al Rose’s STORYVILLE, NEW ORLEANS is a fascinating book. It is not a narrative so much as it is an exploration of Storyville through a variety of themes. It describes the years just prior to the beginning of Storyville when the Crescent City was literally overrun by prostitution. A family could buy a home in a quiet street, and awaken a short time later to discover that a bordello had opened next door. People were accosted in the streets and while riding public transportation.
New Orleans created Storyville as its solution. And it was a very viable solution until the federal government, courtesy of the Department of the Navy, forced it to close down ... a step that some legal researchers have maintained was unconstitutional.
In his book, Rose introduces the Reader to many of Storyville’s inhabitants. He leads a guided tour through the most famous establishments. Day-to-day living is described. Two sections that I especially enjoyed were “The Music of Storyville” and “The Press of Storyville.” And throughout there are smatterings of the gossip, legends, and retellings of astonishing staged events that occurred with the confines of The District.
For the most part, the descriptions are handled with delicacy. Very little will appeal to those with a more salacious interest. But, there are previously unpublished glass plates from Storyville photographer, Ernest Bellocq ... who was very different from his portrayal in PRETTY BABY ... and a section entitled, “Some Anonymous Survivors of Storyville.” This latter consists of seven interviews with both the language and descriptions being much more graphic.
Storyville does conjure “romantic” images of a place where every erotic fantasy could be experienced. That is why I found it to be especially eye-opening to learn that the average visit to one of the houses lasted approximately 15-minutes. That included being admitted, having a drink, a dance, the upstairs session of sexual intimacy, and then out the front door. Storyville had perfected the Art of production line Prostitution which probably left most customers more dazed than satisfied.
For those who prefer a deep dive into history, the Appendicies include the entire text of the ordinance that created Storyville, a listing of all known musicians who worked there and the instruments they played, a complete issue of one of the tabloid newspapers, and “The Daily Picayune” newspaper’s complete account of Storyville’s most famous shootings.
Included in the anonymous interviews is one by “Violet.” I think it is more than a coincidence that this was the name of Brooke Shields’ character in PRETTY BABY as there are notable shared incidents.
Years ago, when my family visited New Orleans, we had a tour guide who was an absolute joy, providing a non-stop litany of “local color” as we traveled from place to place. STORYVILLE, NEW ORLEANS captures that sense of being shown the environs by someone who knows where all of the skeletons are hidden.
December 3, 2012
I ran into this book when working on background for a novel I'm writing that starts out in Storyville, New Orleans. As a historian, I appreciate the care and research that Mr. Rose put into the book. It's a very interesting read and exceptionally well documented. Filled with photographs, copies of old manuscripts, and other memorabilia, the book tells the history of the short-lived but very influential red light district of New Orleans.
So much of what we know as music today came from this area, people like Tony Jackson and Jelly Roll Morton, boys and young men who played piano for the brothels of Storyville, went on to record the jazz they played and influenced the musicians of today.
Such a small area of one of the richest historical cities in the United States, Storyville's history comes alive in Al Rose's book. If you love history, love New Orleans, like jazz or old photography, and want the story of something unique in history, get this book and add it to your library. It is wonderful.
So much of what we know as music today came from this area, people like Tony Jackson and Jelly Roll Morton, boys and young men who played piano for the brothels of Storyville, went on to record the jazz they played and influenced the musicians of today.
Such a small area of one of the richest historical cities in the United States, Storyville's history comes alive in Al Rose's book. If you love history, love New Orleans, like jazz or old photography, and want the story of something unique in history, get this book and add it to your library. It is wonderful.
January 18, 2008
Covers the truly bizarre (and lewd) phenomenon of Storyville -- an 1897-1917 experiment with segregating all prostitution in the city into a 4 block x 4 block area. This was obviously a real labor of love. Al Rose appears to have looked under every sheet and peered into every closet. He has amassed a very large collection of interviews, correspondence, printed material, and photos. The final product is interesting, well organized, well illustrated, and well written. It is amazing what he fits into 200 large pages.
I'd highly recommend this adult glimpse into a seedier and less discussed element of New Orleans' unique and offbeat culture.
I'd highly recommend this adult glimpse into a seedier and less discussed element of New Orleans' unique and offbeat culture.
November 21, 2015
A very good history book about a little know and researched area. Good pictures and reads well. Recommended
September 12, 2018
Interesting stories.
Two thoughts:
If women had more rights back then , there would be a lot of rich women.
Prostitution should be legalized and license just like any business.
Two thoughts:
If women had more rights back then , there would be a lot of rich women.
Prostitution should be legalized and license just like any business.
February 23, 2022
This was assigned reading for my Women's History class. However it was emotionally painful for me to read. I know history is important and necessary. I know truths deserve and need to be told. However these particular truths in detail are hard for me to stomach especially as I am a parent.
Please be careful delving into this subject matter. It is about many people making wrong choices which hurt others. I was assigned to read this so I had to. To be honest I think there's only so much to learn from repeated details of making wrong choices and suffering. There's only so far that goes with an 'academic' perspective and actually 'learning' and taking something away from it.
Please be careful delving into this subject matter. It is about many people making wrong choices which hurt others. I was assigned to read this so I had to. To be honest I think there's only so much to learn from repeated details of making wrong choices and suffering. There's only so far that goes with an 'academic' perspective and actually 'learning' and taking something away from it.
August 6, 2013
Storyville was a candid glimpse into the New Orleans red light district as it existed between 1898 and 1917. The author's voice was front and center; both his writing style and his opinions were colorful and amusing. Given the limited primary sources available, the quality and quantity of information presented was impressive, and the division of chapters by subject was a good choice. My greatest criticism is that the author did not include a formal bibliography.
May 16, 2018
This work is the definitive guide to the historic and infamous red-light district of New Orleans. Al Rose has painstakingly researched an oft-misunderstood era and delivers his facts with wry wit. The interviews of some of the surviving denizens, pimps, workers, musicians, and madams of The District shine a raw, unglamorous light on their past reality; this is in high contrast to E.J. Bellocq’s beautiful portraits of prostitutes, which grace the pages throughout the book.
November 7, 2010
Just started and can't wait to learn about the opulance that was Storyville and see if it compares to the sisters in "Sin in the Second City". This book was AMAZING! The pictures are great! So sad they turned the area into housing projects because the opulence that was shown would've been amazing to see today!
July 26, 2016
Excellent, yet again sad. Perfect for research or general interest. A "tell-it-like-it-was" book not for the faint of heart or those who are offended by graphic descriptions.
Excellent photos. Information is perfect for those reenactors who portray characters based in the time period and recreating the documents in use at the time will add to the realism of your event.
Excellent photos. Information is perfect for those reenactors who portray characters based in the time period and recreating the documents in use at the time will add to the realism of your event.
December 31, 2016
I stumbled across this gem many years ago during one of my annual pilgrimages to New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage festival.
Excellent read with tons of NO's history not well documented by other works, including many pictures.
For me, an easy 5 stars
Excellent read with tons of NO's history not well documented by other works, including many pictures.
For me, an easy 5 stars
January 29, 2008
Fascinating account of New Orleans' experiment with legalized prostitution.
September 21, 2008
Absolutely fascinating collection of photographs, clippings, and accounts into a long-lost part of New Orleans history.
November 4, 2008
wow. just the lists of nicknames are worth reading this for. the personal accounts at the end are amazing. i'm pretty sure this was a major source for the movie "pretty baby."
Currently reading
July 27, 2009Got this last year when Elizabeth and I went to New Orleans and am slowly reading it. New Orleans' history is an amazing strand of American history. Great counterpoint to the Mayflower...
Want to read
October 17, 2015Mildly entertaining podcast available here.
November 28, 2021
Interesting how jazz was influenced by the infamous Storyville. This book puts so much into perspective for historians and jazz music afficionados alike.
February 16, 2013
Not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. Does not sugar-coat or flinch regarding descriptions of prostitution and debauchery. A fantastically researched and well written book.
March 8, 2014
Interesting. Lots and lots of pictures, which I like with histories and biographies. Lists famous jazz and blues artists that got their start there, most of whom moved to Chicago. Great book.
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September 14, 2024I’ve just read Al Rose’s book “Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red-Light District,” which interests me for a couple of reasons: Louis Malle’s movie “Pretty Baby” is loosely based on some of it, and New Orleans is a city where we spend a fair amount of time. Parts of the book are excessively detailed and needlessly repetitive, and Rose will spend way too much space quoting material from a newspaper to demonstrate the poor quality of that material. Another problem is the legibility of the photographs reproduced throughout the volume, for which the publisher, University of Alabama Press, must take the blame - it’s often hard to make anything out, much less inspect the subtler aspects of a picture. These things aside, Rose’s account is often revealing and entertaining, and he delves into the Storyville jazz scene with admirable energy. And the appended legal and legislative documents are harrowing reminders of the racism once considered normal in the Southern states. Recommended with reservations for anyone interested in the history of this unique city a century and more ago.
January 2, 2020
Since this is a history book, it can be dry at times. However, there’s a chapter with first hand testimonies, and it’ll interest anyone that knows about Storyville. Super impressive. I wish I could read all the first hand accounts the author acquired.
March 17, 2024
A very interesting account of the legal red light district of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I enjoyed learning more about this side of the city and the interviews with characters who lived to tell their tales.
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February 1, 2020301.4154 R7951 1974
July 1, 2023
A picture IS worth a thousand words.
August 12, 2023
A five-star effort, ho
January 19, 2024
Of course this is a five star how could it not be.
One of my favorite parts of history and I loved really getting to deep dive into it.
One of my favorite parts of history and I loved really getting to deep dive into it.
April 6, 2024
I really enjoyed the oral history parts. The rest of it was mostly lists and pictures of where everyone lived. It got repetitive.
November 20, 2024
Such an odd book, like a collection of documents, photographs, and stories strung together with limited narrative. At the same time, you can feel the love and care the author put into it.
December 14, 2014
Wonderful for research. This book shines a light on an interesting part of New Orleans history. Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews