Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District
Al Rose’s Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red-Light District is a masterful exploration of one of the most fascinating and misunderstood chapters in American history. Published by the University of Alabama Press, this meticulously researched book offers a vivid, unflinching, and thoroughly engaging portrait of Storyville, the infamous red-light district of New Orleans that operated legally from 1898 to 1917. For anyone with an interest in New Orleans history, jazz music, or the social dynamics of the early 20th century, this book is an absolute treasure, blending rigorous scholarship with captivating storytelling that brings the era to life.
A Rich Historical Tapestry
Rose sets out with a clear mission: to provide “a reasonable true-to-life impression of ‘The District’—its people, its music, its press, its rise and decline, its ways” (Rose, 1). He achieves this with remarkable success, crafting a narrative that is as informative as it is immersive. Rather than presenting a linear chronology, Rose organizes the book thematically, exploring various facets of Storyville—its origins, its inhabitants, its cultural contributions, and its eventual demise. This approach allows readers to experience the district as a multifaceted phenomenon, not merely a historical footnote but a vibrant, complex community that left an indelible mark on New Orleans and beyond.
The book begins by contextualizing Storyville’s creation, detailing how the New Orleans city council, frustrated by decades of grappling with widespread prostitution, passed an ordinance in 1897 to confine such activities to a designated area. Named after Alderman Sidney Story (much to his chagrin), Storyville was not about legalizing prostitution but regulating it by making it illegal outside the district’s boundaries. Rose’s careful explanation of this legal nuance dispels common myths and sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the district’s purpose and operation.
A Treasure Trove of Primary Sources
What sets Storyville, New Orleans apart is its wealth of primary source material, which Rose skillfully weaves into the narrative. The book is richly illustrated with photographs, maps, drawings, and newspaper excerpts that transport readers to the streets of Storyville. E.J. Bellocq’s hauntingly beautiful portraits of the district’s prostitutes are a highlight, offering a visual counterpoint to the raw, unvarnished interviews with surviving madams, workers, musicians, and other denizens. These first-hand accounts, particularly the seven taped reminiscences in the book’s closing section, are both shocking and enlightening, revealing the gritty reality behind the district’s glamorous facade. One reviewer notes that these interviews “shine a raw, unglamorous light on their past reality,” contrasting sharply with the romanticized imagery often associated with Storyville.
The appendices are a historian’s dream, including the full text of the ordinance that established Storyville, a comprehensive list of musicians who performed in the district (along with their instruments), and even a complete issue of a tabloid newspaper from the era. These additions provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scandals of Storyville. For those researching the period or simply curious about its details, these resources make the book an invaluable reference.
A Cultural Milestone
Rose’s exploration of Storyville’s cultural impact is particularly compelling, especially its role in the development of jazz. While he debunks the myth that jazz originated in Storyville, he acknowledges the district’s significance as a crucible for early jazz legends like Jelly Roll Morton and Tony Jackson. These musicians, often young men playing piano in brothels, helped shape the genre that would become a cornerstone of American music. Rose’s vivid descriptions of the music halls and saloons, coupled with his inclusion of contemporary accounts, evoke the lively, ragtime-infused atmosphere that made Storyville a cultural hub.
The book also delves into the social dynamics of the district, offering nuanced portraits of its inhabitants—from celebrated courtesans like Hattie Hamilton to the anonymous workers who navigated a world of greed and exploitation. Rose contrasts Storyville’s operations with other global models of prostitution, such as Japan’s geisha tradition, to highlight its unique character. He notes that, unlike the artistry of the Kama Sutra, Storyville was driven by profit, with workers often prioritizing financial gain over their clients’ satisfaction. This candid assessment adds depth to the narrative, presenting Storyville not as a romanticized underworld but as a complex social experiment with both triumphs and flaws.
Engaging and Accessible Prose
Rose’s writing is another standout feature of the book. Described by The Book Exchange (London) as having “a fast, joyfully loose, innovative pace—like one of Jelly Roll Morton’s ragtime performances,” the prose captures the vibrant, chaotic spirit of Storyville itself. Rose’s wry wit and conversational tone make the book accessible to a wide audience, from casual readers to academic historians. As one Goodreads reviewer put it, reading Storyville, New Orleans feels like being guided through the district by “someone who knows where all of the skeletons are hidden.” This sense of intimacy and local color makes the book not only informative but also immensely enjoyable.
A Balanced and Thoughtful Approach
Importantly, Rose avoids sensationalism or moralizing. He explicitly states that the book is not an argument for or against the legalization of prostitution, focusing instead on presenting the facts as they were. This neutrality allows readers to draw their own conclusions about Storyville’s legacy, whether they see it as a bold experiment in social regulation or a cautionary tale of vice and reform. The book’s closing chapters, which detail the district’s closure in 1917 under pressure from the U.S. government during World War I, underscore the complex interplay of morality, politics, and culture that defined Storyville’s existence.
Why You Should Read It
Storyville, New Orleans is a must-read for anyone interested in history, New Orleans culture, jazz, or the social dynamics of the early 20th century. Its blend of meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and rich visual documentation makes it both a scholarly resource and a captivating narrative. Whether you’re a historian, a jazz enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story, this book delivers on every front. As one reader on Goodreads noted, “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.”
In conclusion, Al Rose has crafted a definitive and unforgettable account of Storyville, bringing to life a bygone era with clarity, depth, and a touch of New Orleans flair. Storyville, New Orleans is not just a book about a red-light district; it’s a window into a world of music, scandal, and human complexity that continues to resonate today. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden stories of America’s past.
You can buy Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District by Al Rose with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/43GUB74
A Rich Historical Tapestry
Rose sets out with a clear mission: to provide “a reasonable true-to-life impression of ‘The District’—its people, its music, its press, its rise and decline, its ways” (Rose, 1). He achieves this with remarkable success, crafting a narrative that is as informative as it is immersive. Rather than presenting a linear chronology, Rose organizes the book thematically, exploring various facets of Storyville—its origins, its inhabitants, its cultural contributions, and its eventual demise. This approach allows readers to experience the district as a multifaceted phenomenon, not merely a historical footnote but a vibrant, complex community that left an indelible mark on New Orleans and beyond.
The book begins by contextualizing Storyville’s creation, detailing how the New Orleans city council, frustrated by decades of grappling with widespread prostitution, passed an ordinance in 1897 to confine such activities to a designated area. Named after Alderman Sidney Story (much to his chagrin), Storyville was not about legalizing prostitution but regulating it by making it illegal outside the district’s boundaries. Rose’s careful explanation of this legal nuance dispels common myths and sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the district’s purpose and operation.
A Treasure Trove of Primary Sources
What sets Storyville, New Orleans apart is its wealth of primary source material, which Rose skillfully weaves into the narrative. The book is richly illustrated with photographs, maps, drawings, and newspaper excerpts that transport readers to the streets of Storyville. E.J. Bellocq’s hauntingly beautiful portraits of the district’s prostitutes are a highlight, offering a visual counterpoint to the raw, unvarnished interviews with surviving madams, workers, musicians, and other denizens. These first-hand accounts, particularly the seven taped reminiscences in the book’s closing section, are both shocking and enlightening, revealing the gritty reality behind the district’s glamorous facade. One reviewer notes that these interviews “shine a raw, unglamorous light on their past reality,” contrasting sharply with the romanticized imagery often associated with Storyville.
The appendices are a historian’s dream, including the full text of the ordinance that established Storyville, a comprehensive list of musicians who performed in the district (along with their instruments), and even a complete issue of a tabloid newspaper from the era. These additions provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scandals of Storyville. For those researching the period or simply curious about its details, these resources make the book an invaluable reference.
A Cultural Milestone
Rose’s exploration of Storyville’s cultural impact is particularly compelling, especially its role in the development of jazz. While he debunks the myth that jazz originated in Storyville, he acknowledges the district’s significance as a crucible for early jazz legends like Jelly Roll Morton and Tony Jackson. These musicians, often young men playing piano in brothels, helped shape the genre that would become a cornerstone of American music. Rose’s vivid descriptions of the music halls and saloons, coupled with his inclusion of contemporary accounts, evoke the lively, ragtime-infused atmosphere that made Storyville a cultural hub.
The book also delves into the social dynamics of the district, offering nuanced portraits of its inhabitants—from celebrated courtesans like Hattie Hamilton to the anonymous workers who navigated a world of greed and exploitation. Rose contrasts Storyville’s operations with other global models of prostitution, such as Japan’s geisha tradition, to highlight its unique character. He notes that, unlike the artistry of the Kama Sutra, Storyville was driven by profit, with workers often prioritizing financial gain over their clients’ satisfaction. This candid assessment adds depth to the narrative, presenting Storyville not as a romanticized underworld but as a complex social experiment with both triumphs and flaws.
Engaging and Accessible Prose
Rose’s writing is another standout feature of the book. Described by The Book Exchange (London) as having “a fast, joyfully loose, innovative pace—like one of Jelly Roll Morton’s ragtime performances,” the prose captures the vibrant, chaotic spirit of Storyville itself. Rose’s wry wit and conversational tone make the book accessible to a wide audience, from casual readers to academic historians. As one Goodreads reviewer put it, reading Storyville, New Orleans feels like being guided through the district by “someone who knows where all of the skeletons are hidden.” This sense of intimacy and local color makes the book not only informative but also immensely enjoyable.
A Balanced and Thoughtful Approach
Importantly, Rose avoids sensationalism or moralizing. He explicitly states that the book is not an argument for or against the legalization of prostitution, focusing instead on presenting the facts as they were. This neutrality allows readers to draw their own conclusions about Storyville’s legacy, whether they see it as a bold experiment in social regulation or a cautionary tale of vice and reform. The book’s closing chapters, which detail the district’s closure in 1917 under pressure from the U.S. government during World War I, underscore the complex interplay of morality, politics, and culture that defined Storyville’s existence.
Why You Should Read It
Storyville, New Orleans is a must-read for anyone interested in history, New Orleans culture, jazz, or the social dynamics of the early 20th century. Its blend of meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and rich visual documentation makes it both a scholarly resource and a captivating narrative. Whether you’re a historian, a jazz enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story, this book delivers on every front. As one reader on Goodreads noted, “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.”
In conclusion, Al Rose has crafted a definitive and unforgettable account of Storyville, bringing to life a bygone era with clarity, depth, and a touch of New Orleans flair. Storyville, New Orleans is not just a book about a red-light district; it’s a window into a world of music, scandal, and human complexity that continues to resonate today. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden stories of America’s past.
You can buy Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red Light District by Al Rose with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/43GUB74
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