The Ritz of the Bayou

In this “unjustly neglected” masterpiece, Nancy Lemann presents an evocative depiction of the New Orleans trial of Governor Edwin Edwards for corruption, blending gritty courtroom drama with vivid portrayals of the city and its inhabitants. Returning to her hometown in 1985 to cover the trials for Vanity Fair, Lemann crafts a series of poignant vignettes that illuminate the personalities behind the headlines and the chaotic charm of a fading Southern culture. The fortieth anniversary edition, featuring new commentary, re-establishes this work as a classic of Southern literature, offering fresh insights into a world where charisma often trumps ethics.