New Orleans City Guide

Step back into the Crescent City of 1938 through this celebrated classic—widely considered the definitive portrait of New Orleans at a pivotal moment in American history.

Created under the direction of distinguished novelist and historian Lyle Saxon, this remarkable volume represents the finest achievement of the Federal Writers' Project in Louisiana. Part of the New Deal's Works Progress Administration, Saxon's team of writers captured New Orleans with extraordinary depth and precision—documenting everything from hidden Creole courtyards to jazz clubs, historic cemeteries to bustling markets.
Lavishly detailed with authentic recipes, striking photography, and rich folklore, the guide reveals the soul of the city through the eyes of those who knew it intimately. What makes this cultural treasure truly extraordinary is its remarkable relevance today—many of the landmarks, establishments, and cultural touchstones chronicled in 1938 continue to define New Orleans nearly a century later.

Both a practical historical guide and a compelling time capsule, this meticulously researched volume remains an essential companion for anyone seeking to understand the enduring magic of one of America's most fascinating cities.