The Earl of Louisiana

The Earl of Louisiana follows the political career of Earl K. Long, the three-time governor of Louisiana and brother of assassinated politician Huey Long. Reporter A.J. Liebling chronicles Long's final term as governor in 1959-1960, documenting the controversial events and personal turmoil that marked this period. Liebling, writing for The New Yorker magazine, spent months in Louisiana gathering first-hand observations and conducting interviews with Long's supporters, opponents, and family members. The resulting work combines political reporting with character study, capturing both the mechanics of Louisiana politics and the personality of its central figure. The book presents a complex portrait of Long as both a skilled political operator and an unpredictable force in Southern governance. Through detailed scenes and extensive dialogue, Liebling reconstructs key moments from Long's campaigns and administration. This account examines the intersection of populist politics, regional identity, and personal power in mid-20th century America. The narrative raises questions about the nature of democracy and governance in the American South during a period of significant social change.

Readers value Liebling's detailed portrayal of Louisiana politics and Earl Long's complex character in the late 1950s. Many note the humor and sharp observations that bring the political circus to life. Several reviews highlight Liebling's reporting style that captures both Long's erratic behavior and the cultural atmosphere. Readers appreciate: - The vivid descriptions of Louisiana's political landscape - Firsthand accounts from Long's inner circle - Clear explanations of complex political relationships Common criticisms: - Dense writing style that can be hard to follow - Assumes prior knowledge of Louisiana politics - Some passages feel dated or require historical context Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (141 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) "Like sitting on a porch listening to a master storyteller," writes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review notes: "The writing meanders at times but captures the chaos of Long's final days in office."

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📚 A.J. Liebling wrote The Earl of Louisiana (1961) after originally publishing the material as a series of articles in The New Yorker magazine about Louisiana Governor Earl Long. 🗞️ The author spent several summer weeks in Louisiana during 1959 following Earl Long during his final political campaign, including Long's infamous institutionalization in mental hospitals. 👥 Earl Long was the younger brother of Huey Long, the controversial Louisiana politician known as "The Kingfish" who was assassinated in 1935. The book explores this complex family dynamic. 🏥 The book details how Earl Long continued to govern Louisiana from a mental hospital in Texas, where his wife had him committed, and how he fired the hospital superintendent who was holding him. 🎭 Liebling's narrative style blends journalism with literary techniques, creating what many consider one of the finest examples of political reportage in American literature, capturing both the drama and absurdity of Louisiana politics.