Edwin Edwards Governor of Louisiana

by Leo Honeycutt

The authorized biography of Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, by Leo Honeycutt.

Genres: Biography, Politics, Nonfiction

611 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of T. Harry Williams’ massive 924-page biography of Huey Long (although at 601 pages is a somewhat shorter time investment)* . Both men shaped modern Louisiana with influences well beyond their official positions (Long was, of course, assassinated prior to suffering any judicial consequences). Well researched, mostly balanced, and generally well-written, Honeycutt does sometimes sacrifice clarity for drama – and his prose does occasionally drift into the purple end of the spectrum. “Above the thin, black spidery arms of ancient oaks formed cathedral-like fingers, praying benediction over the courthouse entrance beyond which lay the destinies of many.” Jeezus, Leo, dial it down. However, most of the book is quite well done, easily going back and forth between personal details and local, national, and international history during the almost 30 years that Edwards was in (and out) of power. It did an excellent job of putting local issues in a larger perspective. Also, the wealth of Edward's bon mots in this book are well worth the price of admission. Note that approximately the last 1/3 of this book deals with the FBI investigation and subsequent trial that landed Edwards in federal prison. 3.5 stars.

* I read the majority of this book while sitting in a jury pool for Orleans Parish Criminal Court.

[Sam Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a labor of love. A wonderfully written and enthralling tale of a four term governor and court cases that play out as well as the finest John Grisham novel, this golliath of a book is a must read for any enthusiast of Louisiana politics or history. It is a very long read that heavily uses legal jargon, but it is rewarding with a detailed account of decades in public service.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

In tapping onetime reporter and Louisiana native, Leo Honeycutt, to write his “authorized” biography, Edwin Edwards doomed an otherwise intriguing story to a near laughable (if not at times painful) book. Given the rate at which this book was selling before it was even printed, I caution most readers to STOP. It is probably not worth reading. For those of you who are devoted fans of Louisiana political history you probably have to read this book, but only because others are doing so – it is, unfortunately, likely to be discussed over coffee or lunch tables. The writing (and, even worse, the editing) is not quite bad enough to ruin it entirely, but it comes close. For all others more casually interested in this book, skip it.

Honeycutt’s writing is like that of…well, someone trying too hard. His language is oftentimes overly flowery. For example, he has a bad habit of referring to legislators as ‘solons’. True enough, the term is a synonym for legislator; indeed, it even connotes particularly civic-minded thoughtful legislators. Occasionally using the term in an ironic way - perhaps when the Louisiana Legislature did something particularly silly - would be quite clever. But, Honeycutt uses it just about every time he has to refer to legislators. It sounds as if he either is attempting to sound smart by using such an unusual word or that he thinks writing consists of looking up words in a thesaurus and replacing them with the most unusual he can find.

Worse than the writing is the editing. In his introduction, Honeycutt mentions that his original draft was three times longer than the published book. But the cutting comes across as haphazard. In a couple of paragraphs, the book jumps from one topic to a different one entirely and then back again. Even worse, this frequently happens within the same paragraph…without any transition, or hint to the reader that subjects are changing (much less why). Indeed, at a few points, the new material is introduced with pronouns referring to as yet unnamed persons. And, of course, no editing nightmare is complete without grammatical mistakes left in the text; yep, this one has them.

In terms of substance, the book focuses too much on events after the fourth term. Almost half the book is devoted to the investigation, trial, and verdict. Everything before that feels rushed – as if Honeycutt cannot wait to get to the scandal. As you read about this part of Edwards’ life, you soon realize why. Honeycutt is very much an Edwards partisan. There’s nothing wrong with that of course; but, given Honeycutt’s unabashed and frequent swipes at Edwards’ political and legal enemies you start to wonder about his credibility. On the other hand, what he does reveal about the investigation and trial can be disconcerting and leave you wondering how Edwards could have been convicted. Since Edwards is a controversial figure, it would have been nice to feel like you were offered a handle on the complete story. In the end you just don’t know because this book is clearly intended to be a defense of Edwards…it is his ‘authorized’ biography after all.

[MaryHelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very long book filled with data, it brought back memories. Although not an Edwards supporter, I admired his intelligence, leadership ability, organizational acumen, and quick wit. While other governors were inept in leading the legislature, there's no question that Edwards got things done as Louisiana's governor. He was a masterful state-level leader and popular with those in all walks of life. Despite speech and actions that led to suspician of corruption and/or extortion, there was no concrete proof of wrongdoing at the time of his conviction. Many things during his final trial were suspect: (1) Shaky evidence gathering and wiretapping procedures employed by the feds; (2)Decisions of an obviously biased federal judge; (3) Defendants were kept on such a tight leash that it seems they did not get a fair shake in this court of law; (4) Witnesses who turned state's evidence to save their own hides and fortunes had tremendous incentive to provide testimony that the feds sought; (5) Federal states-evidence witnesses had questionable backgrounds and were less than trustworthy individuals; (6) Jurors and the decision-making process that led to conviction were also very suspect. THERE WAS NO CONCRETE EVIDENCE, yet convictions that resulted were absolute. The book left readers with a real question as to the justice provided Edwards in federal court.

[Connor Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some might say the book is long and one-sided - it is an autobiography of one of the Greatest Politicians in my lifetime, so quit complaining - if anyone deserves to tell his story like he wants its The Honorable Edwin W. Edwards. In Louisiana, you either loved Governor Edwards or you hated him. I admire him for all that he did for LA in his four terms as Governor. I've had the opportunity to meet Governor Edwards and he has a magnetic personality, a great wit and has this ability to make you feel like you are the only one in the room and that what you are talking about is the only thing that matters. I have met one other person that has that ability...William Jefferson Clinton. (interestingly enough they served as Governors of adjoining states at the same time.)

[Becky Hampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I understood poltics a little more, to understand of the politcal jargon said in this book.
Book did not give up any of Edwards dirty secrets of many women during his time as the Cajun Prince. nor any dirty little secrets of back room deals in Louisiana government during his terms.
However, I did learn 1 reason of his success....he listened. Many times, while other politicans and high society were drinking and boasting....Edwards was with a clear head and listening. He was able to use the slip of the tongue by many politicans to his benefit. Well played Mr Govenor!

[Patsye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I really enjoyed reading about Edwin's early years, which helped to illuminate his behavior. The book was a noticeable whitewash, as it was presented totally from Edwin's side, but it did contain a lot of interesting details and sidelights to the Edwards years in Louisiana. All the familiar names were there. If you take it with a grain of salt, it is a worthwhile read, especially for Louisiana residents.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best political biographies I have ever read. It is exhaustingly researched and the proof of that is the blow-by-blow account of the trial that sends Edwards to prison.
My conclusion upon reading the information presented is that our government in Louisiana is still not a true democracy. Money is still more important than individual rights.

Was he guilty as charged??? Hell, no!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. There is so much recent Louisiana History that I did not know because it happened either before I was born or when I was too young to pay attention, yet we never got that far in Louisiana History when I was in school. Amazing book that is incredibly well researched. And now I'm pretty sure I owe Gov. Edwards an apology for at least one thing I wrote during the 1995 Governor's Race.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are some technical problems with this book, it is nonetheless a fascinating look at several decades of Louisiana political history. Edwards is an incomparable figure in Louisiana's history, and I am very happy that I took the time to finish this rather lengthy book.

[Melissa Borders Bourgeois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Having not grown up in the Edwards era in Louisiana I had been intrigued by his reputation. Leo wrote from an unbiased viewpoint. The dialogue was non-fiction to its core, historical and factual. Kuddo's to Edwin and Leo!

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad I read it - LOTS of LA history. Most of the political/trial stuff went over my head.

[Lisa Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of Louisiana history in this book. Not just about Edwards, but the history of the state of Louisiana.

[Noladishu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bad Bet on the Bayou is a much better book. Way too biased towards Edwards and the end is unreadably-bad. Could have used better editing, but I'd forgive them for that on the first edition.

[Sarah]

This is OUTSTANDING!!! You must read it. It will enlighten, inspire, and cause you to reflect on all you know about Louisiana, politics, and life in general.

[Sonya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gah. As much as I love Louisiana politics and Gov. Edwards, this book was so boring to slosh through. Leo Honeycutt needed a better editor.

[F.C. Etier]

To be reviewed at Blogcritics.org

[Lee Woody]

Louisiana politics are certainly fascinating. Loved the anedoctal personal insights from EWE and his comtemporaries. However, I did find the book a bit long.

[Cindy Prevost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a good editor. It is too long and detailed.

[Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was such a great book about Louisiana history during my lifetime.

[Donna]

Bought it today...