Bourbon Street by Richard Campanella

Richard Campanella’s thoughtful exploration of New Orleans’ most contentious street is more than just a geographical or cultural history. It is also an investigation into the meaning of authenticity and commodification. While Campanella does not set out to change the minds of those who love or hate the boozy street, he does make a case for it. From its organic emergence, without a planner, inventor or board of directors, to its resilience after Hurricane Katrina, it proves its worth in economic impact and devotion to some of the city’s most revered principles: carrying on, no corporate planning, etc. It may be one of the most hated streets in New Orleans, but may also be the one with the strongest will. We’ll raise a tacky, plastic handgrenade cup to that.

Bourbon Street: A History
by Richard Campanella (LSU Press, 2014)