Father Mississippi: The Story of the Great Flood of 1927

by Lyle Saxon

A history of the river with firsthand accounts and photographs of the 1927 flood. Saxon's description of the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the delta combined with his collection of personal accounts makes for a compelling blend of personal, political, geographical, and historical facts. The book, considered as much a documentation of the disaster as an impassioned plea for help, demonstrates just how volatile an environment the Mississippi River region was and continues to be.

Genres: History

442 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 1999

About the author

Lyle Saxon was a journalist and author best known for his work with The Times-Picayune and his leadership of the Louisiana WPA Writers' Project during the 1930s. Born in 1891, likely in either Baton Rouge or Washington State, Saxon was raised in Baton Rouge and later became a central literary figure in New Orleans. He lived in the French Quarter, where his home became a gathering place for writers like William Faulkner and Sherwood Anderson. His grandmother, Elizabeth Lyle Saxon, was a noted suffragette and poet.
Saxon authored several notable books exploring Louisiana's culture and history. Among these are Fabulous New Orleans, Old Louisiana, and Gumbo Ya-Ya, a celebrated collection of Louisiana folktales. He also wrote novels including Lafitte the Pirate, which inspired Cecil B. DeMille's film The Buccaneer, and Children of Strangers, set among Creole communities along the Cane River. His book The Friends of Joe Gilmore reflects his personal relationship with his Black valet.
Saxon embraced New Orleans traditions, especially Mardi Gras, participating with theatrical flair. Openly gay within artistic circles, he led a vibrant social life that intertwined with his literary pursuits. He died in 1946 and is buried in Baton Rouge.