Louisiana Women: Their Lives and Times, Volume 1

by Janet Allured (Editor), Judith F. Gentry (Editor)

Moving chronologically from the colonial period to the present, this collection of seventeen biographical essays provides a window into the social, cultural, and geographic milieu of women’s lives in the state. Within the context of the historical forces that have shaped Louisiana, the contributors look at ways in which the women they profile either abided by prevailing gender norms or negotiated new models of behavior for themselves and other women. Louisiana Women concludes with an essay that examines women's active responses to problems that emerged in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The women whose absorbing life stories are collected here include Marie Therese Coincoin, who was born a slave but later became a successful entrepreneur, and Oretha Castle Haley, civil rights activist and leader of the New Orleans chapter of CORE. From such well-known figures as author Kate Chopin and Voudou priestess Marie Laveau, to lesser known women such as Cajun musician Cleoma Breaux Falcon, this volume reveals a compelling cross section of historical figures. The women profiled vary by race, class, political affiliation, and religious persuasion, but they all share an unusual grit and determination that allowed them to turn trying circumstances into opportunity. Lively yet rigorous, these essays introduce readers to the courageous, dedicated, and inventive women who have been an essential part of Louisiana's history.

Historical figures Thérèse CoincoinThe Baroness PontalbaMarie LaveauSarah Katherine (Kate) StoneEliza Jane NicholsonKate ChopinGrace KingLouisa Williams Robinson, Her Daughters, and Her GranddaughtersClementine HunterDorothy DixTrue Methodist WomenCleoma Breaux FalconCaroline DormonMary LandRowena SpencerOretha Castle HaleyLouisiana Women and Hurricane Katrina

344 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Aimée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great history textbook supplement.

Marie Therese Coincoin -- cool info about a former slave who ended up buying back most of her children from her master (and their father), then went on to own her own slaves.

Baroness Pontalba -- This lady was AWESOME! I want to read more about her.

Marie Laveau -- Well, yeah, she's interesting.

Kate Chopin -- One of my favorites...interestingly enough, she is the second most-read female Louisiana author...and she only lived here for a few years! (First is, of course, Anne Rice...)

Grace King -- A little about the lady who has a high school named after her in Metairie... I knew nothing about her until I read this...

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some really interesting women in this book that most have never heard of. Of course there were the famous too, such as Marie Laveau. Really was interested in the Baroness Pontalba and the stories of the first women doctors in LA after WWII. Some of this can make you pretty mad, but it is good to realize how things were and are.

[Beatrice Desper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I realized that the stories were not mini biographies, but essays, I enjoyed
the collection much more. Our book group had a good discussion and I learned more
about Louisiana that I did not know. Some good history for me since I now live here.

[Jessie Kelly]

My son took a history class from Dr. Allured last spring! Great teacher and very good book so far!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was Amazing...lots of women who I had never heard of and a few classics.