Author Of Crescent City Crimes Reveals New Orleans’ Dark Side
New Orleans evokes images of the French Quarter, Cajun cuisine, revelers partying during Mardi Gras and jazz. Local author Charles Cassady, Jr. has a different take on the Big Easy in his book “Crescent City Crimes: Old New Orleans 1718-1918.” He examines the first two centuries of the underbelly of New Orleans history - its pirates, smugglers, murderers and notorious red light district.
Cassady, a writer, critic and photographer, will present his newest book in the Main Library Auditorium on Tuesday, February 13 at 7 p.m. A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Journalism, Cassady wrote radio comedy for the Cleveland City Club, ads for the International Film Festival and columns in three Cleveland-area newspapers, but he also made a habit of studying the occult and bizarre historical events. “Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not” was a constant companion growing up. His fascination with the paranormal inspired him to write books about Cleveland ghosts and Great Lakes folklore, as well as "Paranormal Mississippi River."
Cassady’s study of the Mississippi River led him to the subject of New Orleans and the publication of “Crescent City Crimes” in 2017. Founded in 1718 by the French, the city was sold to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. From its earliest days, New Orleans has been a stew of cultures and beliefs. Voodoo mixed with Catholicism; French, Native American, African and Creole populations; piracy; slavery – this unique mix created the city and its culture. In his book, Cassady calls the early history of New Orleans “200 years of being one of the most unique, colorful, maddening, and tempestuous and unconventional cities in the Union.” “Crescent City Crimes” details some of that madness.
Join Cassady at Lakewood Public Library on February 13 to learn more about his view of early New Orleans’ history. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.