Book Release for “Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans”

Join The Historic New Orleans Collection for the release of its newest publication Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans by Pamela D. Arceneaux. Between 1897 and 1917, a legal red-light district thrived at the edge of the French Quarter, helping establish the notorious reputation that adheres to New Orleans today. Though many scholars have written about Storyville, no thorough contemporary study of the blue books-directories of the neighborhood's prostitutes, featuring advertisements for liquor, brothels, and venereal disease cures, has been available until now. Pamela D. Arceneaux’s examination of these rare guides invites readers into a version of Storyville created by its own entrepreneurs. Free, but reservations suggested. The lecture will be held from 5:30 pm–6:30 pm at the Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal Street. A reception and book signing follow from 6:30 pm–8 pm at 533 Royal Street. hnoc.org.