The Great Southern Babylon
Sex, Race, and Respectability in New Orleans, 1865–1920
By Alecia P. Long | Publisher: LSU Press
About the book
With a well-earned reputation for tolerance of both prostitution and miscegenation, New Orleans became known as the Great Southern Babylon in antebellum times. Following the Civil War, a profound alteration in social and economic conditions gradually reshaped the city's sexual culture and erotic commerce. Historian Alecia P. Long traces sex in the Crescent City over fifty years, drawing from Louisiana Supreme Court case testimony to relate intriguing tales of people both obscure and famous whose relationships and actions exemplify the era.
Long uncovers a connection between the geographical segregation of prostitution and the rising tide of racial segregation. She offers a compelling explanation of how New Orleans's lucrative sex trade drew tourists from the Bible Belt and beyond even as a nationwide trend toward the commercialization of sex emerged. And she dispels the romanticized smoke and perfume surrounding Storyville to reveal in the reasons for its rise and fall a fascinating corner of southern history. The Great Southern Babylon portrays the complex mosaic of race, gender, sexuality, social class, and commerce in turn-of-the-twentieth-century New Orleans.
\"Long brilliantly charts the historical roots and evolution of the culture of commercial sexuality in New Orleans.... The result is a landmark book all should read.\" -- Darlene Clark Hine, coauthor of A Shining Thread of Hope: The History of Black Women in America
Editions of The Great Southern Babylon
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807129326
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807159422
- PDF
- ISBN 9780807159415
Read an Excerpt
With a well-earned reputation for tolerance of both prostitution and miscegenation, New Orleans became known as the Great Southern Babylon in antebellum times. Following the Civil War, a profound alteration in social and economic conditions gradually reshaped the city's sexual culture and erotic commerce. Historian Alecia P. Long traces sex in the Crescent City over fifty years, drawing from Louisiana Supreme Court case testimony to relate intriguing tales of people both obscure and famous whose relationships and actions exemplify the era.
Long uncovers a connection between the geographical segregation of prostitution and the rising tide of racial segregation. She offers a compelling explanation of how New Orleans's lucrative sex trade drew tourists from the Bible Belt and beyond even as a nationwide trend toward the commercialization of sex emerged. And she dispels the romanticized smoke and perfume surrounding Storyville to reveal in the reasons for its rise and fall a fascinating corner of southern history. The Great Southern Babylon portrays the complex mosaic of race, gender, sexuality, social class, and commerce in turn-of-the-twentieth-century New Orleans.
\"Long brilliantly charts the historical roots and evolution of the culture of commercial sexuality in New Orleans.... The result is a landmark book all should read.\" -- Darlene Clark Hine, coauthor of A Shining Thread of Hope: The History of Black Women in America
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Great Southern Babylon about?
With a well-earned reputation for tolerance of both prostitution and miscegenation, New Orleans became known as the Great Southern Babylon in antebellum times. Following the Civil War, a profound alteration in social and economic conditions gradually reshaped the city's sexual culture and erotic commerce. Historian Alecia P. Long traces sex in the Crescent City over fifty years, drawing from Louisiana Supreme Court case testimony to relate intriguing tales of people both obscure and famous whose relationships and actions exemplify the era.
Long uncovers a connection between the geographical segregation of prostitution and the rising tide of racial segregation. She offers a compelling explanation of how New Orleans's lucrative sex trade drew tourists from the Bible Belt and beyond even as a nationwide trend toward the commercialization of sex emerged. And she dispels the romanticized smoke and perfume surrounding Storyville to reveal in the reasons for its rise and fall a fascinating corner of southern history. The Great Southern Babylon portrays the complex mosaic of race, gender, sexuality, social class, and commerce in turn-of-the-twentieth-century New Orleans.
\"Long brilliantly charts the historical roots and evolution of the culture of commercial sexuality in New Orleans.... The result is a landmark book all should read.\" -- Darlene Clark Hine, coauthor of A Shining Thread of Hope: The History of Black Women in America
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Great Southern Babylon?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of The Great Southern Babylon?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807129326
How long is The Great Southern Babylon and how many pages does it have?
The Great Southern Babylon has 304 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Great Southern Babylon?
Alecia P. Long
Who is the Publisher of the book The Great Southern Babylon?
LSU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Great Southern Babylon is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807129326) and ebook(ISBN 9780807159422) and pdf(ISBN 9780807159415)
Where can I buy The Great Southern Babylon online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Great Southern Babylon from below
Where can I buy The Great Southern Babylon?