Louisiana and the Deep South (Lonely Planet Regional Guides)

A detailed introduction brings to life this history-steeped and (to outsiders) somewhat peculiar region. You'll learn about early native peoples, exploration and settlement, the rise of slavery, fighting for (and losing) the Confederacy, and the resultant reconstruction and civil rights movement. Nature buffs will get a peek at some of the many ecological and biological wonders they can expect to encounter: cypress swamps, piny woods, a petrified forest and their myriad inhabitants, including armadillos and the short-haired leopard dog. Having covered the basics, Deep South gets down to the nitty-gritty. State-by-state, city-by- city, blues-joint-by-blues-joint, it offers a veritable mountain of facts. Use it to find old- fashioned soda fountains, Booker T. Washington's greenhouse, the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum or simply to find an affordable place to sleep. Deep South "covers all the bases", even where to watch America's favourite pastime--southern style, of course. With copious photos, maps and an essential glossary of terms. --Martha Silano