PDF Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex; Jazz; Murder; and the Battle for Modern New Orleans by Gary Krist in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyable solid readBy MayfieldI wavered between giving the book three of four stars. It is a well researched and written account of this period in New Orleans' history. The book breaks no new ground but rather does a very nice and readable job of weaving together the major incidents and forces that shaped New Orleans life during this time. I agree with a previous reviewer's comment about the overemphasis on some of the more notorious crimes committed during the period which would have better been gathered in a single chapter than serve as the principal organizing theme of the book. But I think it is better than "o.k." and thus four stars. Two other comments. Any future edition of the book should reflect the recent discovery that Louis Armstrong had a prior arrest and stay at the Colored Waif's Home for Boys; than the one reflected in the book's account. See; http://www.nola.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/12/our_times_the_louis_armstrong.html. Also the book unfortunately adopts the nostalgic and popular view of Storyville as a noble social experiment were women willingly entered the life of prostitution which they happily practiced in glamorous salons. The reality of course was otherwise. These women (often teenagers) were forced into the life by crushing poverty where they were victimized by pimps and madams and spent their typically short lives addicted to drugs and afflicted by STD's. Thus; instead of gracing the beginning of chapter 10 with one of E.J. Bellocq's more famous photo's of a seemingly happy and carefree prostitute; the author would have better used one of Bellocq's darker images of the face of a much older and worn sex worker staring at the lens through an ugly black eye.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Must read for any fan of the Vieux CarreBy AmaddoxI read Empire of Sin right after reading Satchmo - Louis Armstrong's autobiography. Clearly; I'm interested in the people and history of New Orleans; but I was truly blown away but the Krist masterpiece. Not only did I my knowledge of and love for New Orleans grow; but it was a pleasure to read such a beautifully written piece of work. It was also exciting; as a former English and current History teacher; to find myself learning new vocabulary. I truly enjoy Krist's use of language. I highly recommend this book. Now I'm even more excited for my annual trip to the Crescent City ... the city where my husband and I were married in Pirates Alley ... the City that has had its hooks in us ever since.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Informative; educational and thrilling.By junkieI am passionate about historical fiction; especially American 17th and 18th century when it's inclusive of all Americans. I was unaware of Italians New Orleans history. I was especially impressed with the detailed history of black jazz musicians origins and ultimate migration to the north.