Voodoo in New Orleans [Paperback]

New paperback edition from Pelican Publishing!

"Robert Tallant speaks with authority . . ." New York Times

"Straightforward handling of sensational times and tricksters, of the cult of voodooism in all its manifestations. From its first known appearances in New Orleans of 200 years ago, here are the . . . rites and dances, the cures, charms and gris-gris. Here were the witchdoctors and queens, and in particular Doctor John . . . and Marie Laveau. Kirkus Reviews

"Much nonsense has been written about voodoo in New Orleans. . . . Here is a truthful and definitive picture." Lyle Saxon

The word voodoo elicits reactions from fear to fascination; thoughts of pins stuck in dolls, hexes, and strange rites immediately come to mind. But few people know the true origin of voodooism or anything about its practice in America, particularly New Orleans. This examination of voodoo rites and beliefs is sure to fascinate every reader.

Originally published in 1946, this intriguing book examines the rites and beliefs associated with voodoo through the legends of the artits charms, trances, rituals, and difficult-to-explain occurrences.

Robert Tallant was one of Louisianas best-known authors. Born in New Orleans in 1909, he attended the citys local public schools. Before drifting into writing, Tallant worked as an advertising copywriter, a bank teller, and a clerk. It was his friendship with Lyle Saxon that led Tallant to his position as editor on the Louisiana WPA Writers Project during the 1930s and 1940s. In that position, he coauthoredGumbo Ya-Ya: Folk Tales of Louisianawith Lyle Saxon and Edward Dreyer.

By 1948, Tallants career had launched, and over the next eleven years he produced eight novels, six full-length works of nonfiction, and numerous short stories and articles on subjects of local interest. He is also known to have corresponded with, asl“1