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Wicked New Orleans: The Dark Side of the Big Easy
Since as early as the 1700s, New Orleans has been a city filled with sin and vice. Those first pioneering citizens of the Big Easy were thieves, vagabonds and criminals of all kinds. By the time Louisiana fell under American control, New Orleans had become a city of debauchery and corruption camouflaged by decadence. It was also considered one of the country's most dangerous cities, with a reputation of crime and loose morals. Rampant gambling and prostitution were the norm in nineteenth-century New Orleans, and over one-third of today's French Quarter was considered a hotbed of sin. Tales in this volume include that of the notorious Axeman who plagued the streets of the Crescent City in the early 1900s and Kate Townsend, a prostitute who was murdered by her own lover, a man who later was awarded her inheritance. Troy Taylor takes a look back at New Orleans's early wicked days and historic crimes.
130 pages, Hardcover
Published June 25, 2010
184 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 7, 2019
Pretty decent if brief history of the unsavory parts of New Orleans. Well-written and entertaining, if rather simplistic when dealing with more complicated bits. Much is pretty sensationalistic, which isn't surprising as a lot of the text (especially from the 19th and early 20th Centuries) is basically a digest of Asbury's French Quarter, Saxon's Fabulous New Orleans, and Saxon, Tallant, and Dreyer's Gumbo Ya Ya . This also means that parts should be taken with a grain of salt, as the above books were about things as they were commonly believed at the time, and not necessarily how they really were. For a more nuanced account of the events of "The Mafia in New Orleans", I would suggest reading Vendetta by Richard Gambino. I recommend Wicked New Orleans for anyone who wants a quick, easy-to-read account of the salacious (but non-supernatural) history of the city. Note: Although this book was published in 2010, it doesn't deal with any events after the early 20th Century.
March 22, 2020
This makes for an easy, entertaining nonfic read! I especially liked the accounts of the VERY TOUGH AND MEAN prostitutes of New Orleans.
September 17, 2024
I enjoyed learning more about New Orleans history from this book.
September 28, 2017
**I am posting this review at one am in a hotel room after my flight home from New Orleans got redirected to New York instead. I wrote this review on the plane because I finished it an hour before we were supposed to land. I am so tired, but I felt the need to post my review now instead of tomorrow because I wouldn't be able to post it until the evening. We almost had to sleep at the airport**
I picked up this book in New Orleans while roaming the French Quarter. It is all about the vice and criminal ‘underground’ through out the history of New Orleans. I love learning about this kind of history. I’m all for the gossip and scandal and this book is full of it!
I found this book to be a very good summery of the crime history of New Orleans. It’s less then 125 pages long and comes with photographs from the eras it talks about. It covers a lot of topics and stories, from prostitution to a serial killer. Each chapter has its own overall topic. While every chapter involved whorehouses, drinking, gambling, corruption, and murder; each chapter would be about these issues in the setting of a type of seedy organization. For example, in the chapter ABOUT PROSTITUTION it gives stories about specific women in the industry that sometimes lasts from a few sentences to several pages. And in these stories the woman in question would sometimes commit murder, steal, fight, and pay corrupt policemen and politicians to keep their place of business from being shut down.
I really enjoyed learning more about New Orleans. I have wanted to visit for years and I can’t wait to go again. Part of the reason I wanted to book on the history of this city is because we only went to one museum during our day’s stay. It was a museum on voodoo, and while it was interesting, it didn’t have the level of information I would’ve liked. It was only three rooms big and had not nearly enough space to give every person or item the attention that was deserved.
This book is a very good start for wetting one’s toes in the history of New Orleans. It talks about dueling, the Louisiana purchase, the above ground tombs, and so much more for such a small book. I actually wish that it was much longer.
The last thing I want to mention is the Axeman. I’ve know this random fact about a serial killer in New Orleans that stated that he wouldn’t kill anyone if they were playing jazz music in their homes or place of business. The last chapter of this book talks about this serial killer. I’m really happy to now know this story. There is so much interesting history out there and I’ve only just started learning New Orleans’s share.
I picked up this book in New Orleans while roaming the French Quarter. It is all about the vice and criminal ‘underground’ through out the history of New Orleans. I love learning about this kind of history. I’m all for the gossip and scandal and this book is full of it!
I found this book to be a very good summery of the crime history of New Orleans. It’s less then 125 pages long and comes with photographs from the eras it talks about. It covers a lot of topics and stories, from prostitution to a serial killer. Each chapter has its own overall topic. While every chapter involved whorehouses, drinking, gambling, corruption, and murder; each chapter would be about these issues in the setting of a type of seedy organization. For example, in the chapter ABOUT PROSTITUTION it gives stories about specific women in the industry that sometimes lasts from a few sentences to several pages. And in these stories the woman in question would sometimes commit murder, steal, fight, and pay corrupt policemen and politicians to keep their place of business from being shut down.
I really enjoyed learning more about New Orleans. I have wanted to visit for years and I can’t wait to go again. Part of the reason I wanted to book on the history of this city is because we only went to one museum during our day’s stay. It was a museum on voodoo, and while it was interesting, it didn’t have the level of information I would’ve liked. It was only three rooms big and had not nearly enough space to give every person or item the attention that was deserved.
This book is a very good start for wetting one’s toes in the history of New Orleans. It talks about dueling, the Louisiana purchase, the above ground tombs, and so much more for such a small book. I actually wish that it was much longer.
The last thing I want to mention is the Axeman. I’ve know this random fact about a serial killer in New Orleans that stated that he wouldn’t kill anyone if they were playing jazz music in their homes or place of business. The last chapter of this book talks about this serial killer. I’m really happy to now know this story. There is so much interesting history out there and I’ve only just started learning New Orleans’s share.
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June 1, 2014I found this book very interesting. I love not only history, but New Orleans history. The writing style isn't exactly textbook, but it is not exactly story telling. It is a little in between, so might come of as boring if you are not really into it. I read it in a few days, so obviously I enjoyed it.
October 23, 2013
Interesting information on how New Orleans was settled and then scandalous crime into the early 1900's.
June 14, 2015
This was pretty interesting. There were lots of short snippets about the dark side of New Orleans: dueling, disease, prostitution, and the mafia. Good tour guide reading.
April 26, 2016
I should have read this book BEFORE traveling to New Orleans, it would have been extremely helpful while walking around.
July 26, 2023
Decent brief history but it felt like it was lacking in some areas at some times. Not a bad read though!
October 22, 2020
A slim volume of only 126 pages full of fun facts, scandal, thievery, prostitution, murder, gambling, copiously large consumption of any liquid approximating alcohol, corruption, piracy, and all the Hoodoo Voodoo ingredients that make the Crescent City the liveliest, most wide-open, party-loving, artistically rich, and most European of all American cities – all mixed together in a steaming hot pot of gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, and all of the aforementioned spicy ingredients.
The book covers some very interesting territory in nine chapter chunks that average roughly 15-25 pages each. From the founding of the settlement in 1718 by the French and named for the Duke of Orleans, then ceded to Spain from 1763 until 1800, and then briefly returned to France until Napoleon unloaded the entire Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which comprised a total of 828,000 square miles, to the US for $15,000,000 to pay down war debts and continuing colonial empire military costs – is all covered in good detail.
Virtually, from its very founding, New Orleans has had its own unique variety and combination of gambling, graft, corruption, and sins of the flesh. The early development of the French colony and settlement was led by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville who was appointed as the governor and commander of the region.
Bienville is still a prominent name in the city and he was responsible for the infamous Code Noir (Black Code) which was adapted from existing slave laws in Santo Domingo. The code was an unusual one and unlike any other in the southern states, which protected the ownership of slaves. It did promise harsh penalties for any slave who rebelled, but it also provided protection from tyranny, oppression, or cruelty from white owners. Severe fines and jail time were meted out for those that broke this part of the Code.
The book also goes into great detail about the famous pirate Jean Lafitte, his extensive empire of piracy based close to New Orleans, as well as his involvement in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 under the leadership of U.S. Brevet Major General Andrew Jackson. I’ve actually had a few drinks in the structure in the French Quarter which was originally the pirate’s blacksmith shop. And it looked legit, at least from the extreme angle of the leaning of the very old building!
In addition, the long and extensive tradition and practice of dueling, which was a very prominent part of the social structure of the city for years, as well as the numerous famous and infamous whorehouses and madams of the city are covered in lascivious historical detail.
The founding of Storyville, the section of the city designated as the colorful red-light district (1897-1917) is explored interestingly and was one of the prime spots of the germination of jazz and boogie-woogie, which began in the many houses of ill repute that provided piano players and bands for the musical entertainment of their clients; in addition to the upstairs activities.
The final sections of the book cover organized crime and Mafia activities during the 20th Century, and the last chapter is solely devoted to the most mysterious and infamous unsolved crime in the history of New Orleans. The frenzied murders of The Axeman occurred during two years – 1918 & 1919 and resulted in a popular song of the time called “The Mysterious Axman’s Jazz (Don’t Scare Me Papa).”
“Who was this strange and terrifying creature? Was it a man bent on revenge, a crazed serial killer or perhaps something worse? The period of death and bloodshed that was reigned over by this allegedly supernatural creature is still remembered as one of the darkest times in the city’s history. Many believed the ‘boogeyman’ had come to New Orleans.” (page 115)
The murders began in May 1918 and lasted until October 1919 and the killer brutally hacked to death 6 victims and wounded 6 others with horrifying axe attacks. Even more spooky, the killer was never caught.
For fellow lovers of this unique and most sleazily cosmopolitan of American cities, this is a very enjoyable, informative, and quick read! Let’s hope the city continues to survive another few hundred years with the current climate change underway with stronger and more numerous hurricanes and tropical storms battering the Gulf Coast, combined with the distressing disappearance of the many surrounding marshes and swampland in the area.
The book covers some very interesting territory in nine chapter chunks that average roughly 15-25 pages each. From the founding of the settlement in 1718 by the French and named for the Duke of Orleans, then ceded to Spain from 1763 until 1800, and then briefly returned to France until Napoleon unloaded the entire Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which comprised a total of 828,000 square miles, to the US for $15,000,000 to pay down war debts and continuing colonial empire military costs – is all covered in good detail.
Virtually, from its very founding, New Orleans has had its own unique variety and combination of gambling, graft, corruption, and sins of the flesh. The early development of the French colony and settlement was led by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville who was appointed as the governor and commander of the region.
Bienville is still a prominent name in the city and he was responsible for the infamous Code Noir (Black Code) which was adapted from existing slave laws in Santo Domingo. The code was an unusual one and unlike any other in the southern states, which protected the ownership of slaves. It did promise harsh penalties for any slave who rebelled, but it also provided protection from tyranny, oppression, or cruelty from white owners. Severe fines and jail time were meted out for those that broke this part of the Code.
The book also goes into great detail about the famous pirate Jean Lafitte, his extensive empire of piracy based close to New Orleans, as well as his involvement in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 under the leadership of U.S. Brevet Major General Andrew Jackson. I’ve actually had a few drinks in the structure in the French Quarter which was originally the pirate’s blacksmith shop. And it looked legit, at least from the extreme angle of the leaning of the very old building!
In addition, the long and extensive tradition and practice of dueling, which was a very prominent part of the social structure of the city for years, as well as the numerous famous and infamous whorehouses and madams of the city are covered in lascivious historical detail.
The founding of Storyville, the section of the city designated as the colorful red-light district (1897-1917) is explored interestingly and was one of the prime spots of the germination of jazz and boogie-woogie, which began in the many houses of ill repute that provided piano players and bands for the musical entertainment of their clients; in addition to the upstairs activities.
The final sections of the book cover organized crime and Mafia activities during the 20th Century, and the last chapter is solely devoted to the most mysterious and infamous unsolved crime in the history of New Orleans. The frenzied murders of The Axeman occurred during two years – 1918 & 1919 and resulted in a popular song of the time called “The Mysterious Axman’s Jazz (Don’t Scare Me Papa).”
“Who was this strange and terrifying creature? Was it a man bent on revenge, a crazed serial killer or perhaps something worse? The period of death and bloodshed that was reigned over by this allegedly supernatural creature is still remembered as one of the darkest times in the city’s history. Many believed the ‘boogeyman’ had come to New Orleans.” (page 115)
The murders began in May 1918 and lasted until October 1919 and the killer brutally hacked to death 6 victims and wounded 6 others with horrifying axe attacks. Even more spooky, the killer was never caught.
For fellow lovers of this unique and most sleazily cosmopolitan of American cities, this is a very enjoyable, informative, and quick read! Let’s hope the city continues to survive another few hundred years with the current climate change underway with stronger and more numerous hurricanes and tropical storms battering the Gulf Coast, combined with the distressing disappearance of the many surrounding marshes and swampland in the area.
November 15, 2024
A fascinating book of stories from a notorious era
The Big Easy has fascinated me for a long time, and Troy Taylor brings the legend of the Big Easy to life in a way that kept me reading to the end. The book paints a time long forgotten of the frontier days in such detail, I almost feel like I am reading newspaper accounts. The characters of old New Orleans were fascinating in their own way, and I learned a lot of the early days of the settlement up through the WWI era. Enjoy the stories and the characters that made up the folklore and history of New Orleans.
The Big Easy has fascinated me for a long time, and Troy Taylor brings the legend of the Big Easy to life in a way that kept me reading to the end. The book paints a time long forgotten of the frontier days in such detail, I almost feel like I am reading newspaper accounts. The characters of old New Orleans were fascinating in their own way, and I learned a lot of the early days of the settlement up through the WWI era. Enjoy the stories and the characters that made up the folklore and history of New Orleans.
January 25, 2023
An entertaining, albeit not too deep (given the length of the book, this is unsurprising) look at the history of all manner of vice in New Orleans. Nice overview, including historical photos and newspaper illustrations. If you want to dip your toe into everything from Storyville to the Axeman, this is a good place to do it. Overall, a fun read.
June 22, 2017
Fun, spooky, expectantly full of all the corrupt skullduggery you'd expect from a historical piece on Nola. Reading level is set to about 6th grade, but beyond that it's a fun book to leave around the house for visitors. 4 out of 5 swinging metal chains attached to corrupt policemen's severed arms
October 9, 2019
Fun
This is a fun little read about some of the seedier history of New Orleans. The city has a sordid past, and currently seems to be trying to recreate it. I won't be visiting again in my lifetime, but I do still enjoy reading about it.
This is a fun little read about some of the seedier history of New Orleans. The city has a sordid past, and currently seems to be trying to recreate it. I won't be visiting again in my lifetime, but I do still enjoy reading about it.
April 2, 2022
If you're looking for Marie Laveau or Mad Madame LaLaurie you won't find them between the covers of this slim little book, what you will find is gamblers, prostitution, the mafia, and the dreaded Axeman.
I'd skip this one as there are much better books out there.
I'd skip this one as there are much better books out there.
August 9, 2017
Being from the city, it was good to see how we got our start as a city filled with vice & sin. Very interesting read if you're into history.
September 7, 2018
An interesting look at the devious and creepy history of New Orleans.
September 23, 2019
Extremely interesting
Very good reading here, and very informative. Definitely a must have. The reader will not be disappointed. Author has great style.
Very good reading here, and very informative. Definitely a must have. The reader will not be disappointed. Author has great style.
December 4, 2019
I love reading about the history of New Orleans. This read easy while also giving good background of the dark side of NOLA.
December 20, 2019
A fun read.
All of the stories enclosed in this book are worth your time to read. It's a good starting point for those interested in New Orleans history.
All of the stories enclosed in this book are worth your time to read. It's a good starting point for those interested in New Orleans history.
October 15, 2020
Ummm....wow........That's some history.
January 4, 2021
Easy and quick read. Not great but not bad. Would read more books in this series though.
August 14, 2021
I read this for my 2021 Reading Challenge and the prompt was a book set somewhere i want to visit in 2021. Unfortunately that is not going to happen now but I still enjoyed the book.
July 10, 2022
I think a lot of the history in this book is probably mixed with folklore and hyperbole, but it was a fun read and I still learned a lot about the past of the United States most fascinating city.
December 31, 2022
I love New Orleans. This book taught me a little bit and reminded me good times in the Big Easy.
May 25, 2023
Badly needed editing.
About the audiobook: the reader might have spent a little more time working on his pronunciation of local names and places.
About the audiobook: the reader might have spent a little more time working on his pronunciation of local names and places.
July 15, 2024
This book was just meh. Not super exciting, but not terribly boring.
June 10, 2025
I had read this book out of curiosity. I enjoyed reading this book because I learned more about the wicked side of New Orleans. I loved that it was informative with plenty attention to detail. I thought the book was well written. It is a must read.
August 18, 2012
Interesting look at the dark side of New Orleans throughout its history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews