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Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans (Revised) (Revised) — Spiritualism

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Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans (Revised) (Revised)

Name: Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans (Revised) (Revised)
Price: 24.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780807152911

✍️ Delavigne, Jeanne

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of forty classic New Orleans ghost stories drawn from 1800s local legend and folklore.

Jeanne deLavigne gathers classic supernatural lore from the streets, chapels, and historic mansions of Old New Orleans. Grounded in nineteenth-century legend, period news accounts, and local oral traditions, the volume records tales of tragic spirits, haunting figures, and macabre occurrences throughout the Crescent City. Accompanied by Charles Richards' original etchings and contextualized by folklorist Frank A. de Caro, the work documents a specific era of American urban folklore and regional spectral legend.

Key Themes

New Orleans supernatural folklore Nineteenth-century ghost legends Crescent City spectral history

Literary Context

Rooted in nineteenth-century legends and printed in 1944, this collection captures the ethnic background and urban lore of Old New Orleans. LSU Press republished the work in October 2013 with an introduction by folklore scholar Frank A. de Caro.

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Lafcadio Hearn · Anne Rice · Shirley Jackson

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Spiritualism

🏛 LSU Press 📅 2013 📖 400 pages 🌐 en 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780807152911

Fun Fact

DeLavigne’s *Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans* is a timeless collection, masterfully weaving historical detail with chilling folklore. Its strength lies in presenting the city itself as a character, alive with spectral energy and diverse narratives. While those seeking modern, intensely psychological horror might find it less impactful, readers yearning for classic, atmospheric ghost tales rooted in genuine cultural history will be utterly enchanted. This revised edition reaffirms its status as an indispensable volume for any serious student of American regional supernatural lore.

📝 Description: Ghost Stories of Old New Orleans (Revised) (Revised)

Originally printed in 1944, this republished LSU Press volume features forty supernatural tales set across historical New Orleans, from French Quarter streets to Garden District mansions. Author Jeanne deLavigne, a native of the city, weaves local legend dating back to the 1800s alongside newspaper accounts and folklore to capture phantoms haunting rooftops, glowing tombs, and sacred cathedral spaces. The collection details specters of bitter lovers, vengeful slaves, menacing gypsies, and tragic figures like children lost at sea. This edition includes macabre etchings by local artist Charles Richards, alongside a foreword by folklorist Frank A. de Caro that explores deLavigne's life and her work's ongoing cultural influence. DeLavigne was a New Orleans local who also co-wrote novels with Jacques Rutherford, giving her a native's familiarity with the area's ethnic background, period homes, and historic neighborhoods. De Caro, a former Louisiana State University English professor and past president of the Louisiana Folklore Society, adds analytical context for modern audiences. This collection suits readers interested in authentic regional folklore, atmospheric ghost lore, and urban legends of the Crescent City. It does not suit readers seeking mild ghost stories, as the entries contain graphic depictions of torture, mutilation, and death.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Delavigne’s revised edition offers a compelling compilation of forty tales that effectively capture the eerie spirit of old New Orleans. The inclusion of Charles Richards’ etchings enhances the nostalgic and supernatural tone, making it a visually engaging read for fans of classic ghost stories. However, readers seeking scientifically grounded paranormal investigations or complex fictional narratives may find this collection too rooted in local legend and oral tradition. It is best suited for those who enjoy atmospheric lore over rigorous analysis or plot-driven fiction. While not for skeptics demanding empirical evidence, it remains a strong entry for lovers of regional gothic ambiance.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with a deep appreciation for atmospheric history and the supernatural will find immense pleasure in this collection. It serves as an ideal companion for those fascinated by the spectral legends of New Orleans, offering a vivid journey through iconic locales like Royal Street and St. Louis Cathedral. The book appeals to anyone drawn to the intertwining of tragic human history—such as stories of jilted lovers and defiant enslaved people—with the city’s physical cobblestones. For enthusiasts of regional folklore and evocative etchings, this volume provides a chilling yet accessible glimpse into a place eternally entwined with its phantoms.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're captivated by historical mysteries, drawn to the enigmatic charm of New Orleans, or simply love a well-told supernatural tale, this book is for you. Delve into the city's shadowy past and experience the spine-tingling legends that continue to define its haunted spirit.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Delavigne’s revised edition offers a compelling compilation of forty tales that effectively capture the eerie spirit of old New Orleans. The inclusion of Charles Richards’ etchings enhances the nostalgic and supernatural tone, making it a visually engaging read for fans of classic ghost stories. However, readers seeking scientifically grounded paranormal investigations or complex fictional narratives may find this collection too rooted in local legend and oral tradition. It is best suited for those who enjoy atmospheric lore over rigorous analysis or plot-driven fiction. While not for skeptics demanding empirical evidence, it remains a strong entry for lovers of regional gothic ambiance.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While this edition is a recent revision, the core content comes from Jeanne deLavigne's classic work first published in 1944, preserving its original charm and tales.

Yes, this edition proudly features the original macabre etchings by New Orleans artist Charles Richards, which beautifully complement the eerie atmosphere of the stories.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

New Orleans' Haunted Landscape

This collection masterfully portrays New Orleans not merely as a setting, but as a living entity steeped in the supernatural. Every district, from the bustling French Quarter to the stately Garden District, becomes a stage for spectral drama, revealing how the city's unique history and architecture are intrinsically linked to its ghostly inhabitants and enduring lore.

Diverse Spectral Inhabitants

DeLavigne's stories feature a fascinating array of spirits, reflecting the complex cultural tapestry of New Orleans. Readers will encounter the tormented souls of scorned lovers, the defiant apparitions of enslaved individuals, and the mysterious presence of Romani figures, each adding a distinct layer to the city's rich, multicultural paranormal heritage.

Preserving Historical Folklore

More than just ghost stories, this book serves as a vital historical record, meticulously curating popular legends that have circulated since the 1800s. DeLavigne acts as a diligent folklorist, ensuring these vivid narratives, which capture the essence of old New Orleans' social fabric and beliefs, continue to resonate with new generations.

📜 Historical context

Originally appearing in 1944, deLavigne's work stands as a cornerstone in the tradition of regional American ghost lore. It follows in the footsteps of earlier 20th-century collections that sought to preserve local supernatural traditions, offering a snapshot of New Orleans' public imagination during a pivotal era. This book solidifies its place among classic folklore compilations.

📚 Glossary

Folklore
Vengeful spirits
French Quarter

📔 Questions to reflect on

Consider a familiar place in your own life. What historical events or strong emotions could have left a lingering, unseen presence there?
How do the specific cultural and historical elements of New Orleans contribute to the unique nature of its ghost stories compared to other regions?
Reflect on the idea of "vengeful spirits." What does their existence suggest about justice or unresolved conflict beyond the grave?