Chatham Roberdeau Wheat has rightly been called the grandest of Civil War heroes. Born a Virginia gentleman, this handsome giant was by turns lawyer, politician, filibusterer, wit, bon vivant, and soldier of fortune. Perhaps the most experienced soldier on either side at the outbreak of the Civil War, Wheat led the "Louisiana Tigers" -- notorious as the wildest battalion in either army -- in some of the war's bloodiest battles, including Bull Run, the Valley, and the Seven Days. Idolized by his men for his courage and camaraderie, he was adored by women for his dash and gallantry.

In this comprehensive biography, originally published in 1957, Charles L. Dufour details Wheat's life and loves -- from his turbulent school days to his early and heroic end at Gaines Mill. Based largely on letters and unpublished family documents, Dufour's work -- the first in-depth study of Wheat -- stands as the most vivid portrait of this fantastic young soldier.

In Louisiana, Yesterday and Today, three veteran newspapermen examine the history and character of one of America's most remarkable states. This comprehensive, entertaining work will inform natives of their rich heritage and familiarize others with the many sources of Louisiana's special charm.

In concise, thematic chapters, the authors discuss practically every aspect of Louisiana's history. They explore in depth many specific events and eras, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Battle of New Orleans, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the rise of Huey P. Long. Illuminating Louisiana's wonderfully polyglot character, they trace the cultural milieu from earliest Indian days through the French and Spanish regimes into statehood. They tell of the pirate Jean Lafitte and the voodoo queen Marie Laveau, of the state's unique Cajun and Creole heritages, of the legendary red-light district of Storyville, and of the excitement and debauchery of Mardi Gras.

As a bonus, the book provides an incisive look at the state's 64 parishes as it portrays Louisiana's history, population, economy, culture, and outstanding tourist attractions, evincing the diversity -- most notably between north and south -- that characterizes the state. An excellent guide for visitors who wish to learn about Louisiana's past as well as its present attractions, Louisiana, Yesterday and Today will also beckon natives to rediscover their heritage and the cultural wonderland that exists in their own backyard.

"Long before the Confederacy was crushed militarily, it was defeated economically," writes Charles L. Dufour. He contends that with the fall of the critical city of New Orleans in spring 1862 the South lost the Civil War, although fighting would continue for three more years. On the Mississippi River, below New Orleans, in the predawn of April 24, 1862, David Farragut with fourteen gunboats ran past two forts to capture the South's principal seaport.

Vividly descriptive, "The Night the War Was Lost" is also very human in its portrayal of terrified citizens and leaders occasionally rising to heroism. In a swift-moving narrative, Dufour explains the reasons for the seizure of New Orleans and describes its results.