The 'Blue Book'

2014 Reprint of 1936 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Created to regulate prostitution and drugs, Storyville was the red-light district of New Orleans, Louisiana from 1897 to 1917. Storyville did not legalize prostitution, but rather designated Storyville, a sixteen block area of the city, as the part of New Orleans where prostitution was not illegal. The area was originally referred to as The District, but its nickname Storyville soon caught on. It was bound by the streets of North Robertson, Iberville, Basin, and St. Louis and was found between the French Quarter and Interstate 10. It was located by a train station, making it a popular destination for travelers throughout the city, and became a centralized attraction in the heart of New Orleans. Although most of its remnants are no longer visible, the neighborhood lies in Faubourg Treme and presently contains housing projects. The "Blue Book" was a guide to the houses and services rendered in Storyville. Beginning around 1900, these undated pamphlets advertised the services provided as well as the services of other local business, such as restaurants. Heartman provides an interesting historical account of this district, as well as a detailed bibliographical account of the first blue books published. Illustrated with seventeen photographs.