Louisiana’s lieutenant governor is a well-known book lover and an enormous proponent of the Book Festival. We asked him a few questions about the event, as well as his own reading habits.—Emilie Staat
225: How does the State Library orchestrate a free public festival of this caliber every year? Dardenne: It was canceled the year before I was elected, and I said in my campaign that we would find a way to bring it back. A librarian, Sally Farrell, left her estate to the State Library for the Book Festival. We are very aggressive with marketing, and the tourism office has contributed. We’re committed to keeping the festival alive.
225: What makes the festival so important? Dardenne: Louisiana has a rich literary tradition, and the festival allows us the opportunity to interact with the authors in a personal setting.
225: Which authors are you looking forward to this year? Dardenne: I’m a big fan of Rick Bragg. He’s been here on several occasions, and this year he has a new book about Jerry Lee Lewis, who has an affinity for Louisiana and lots of reasons to come home. Mary Matalin and James Carville are very entertaining.
225: Who are some of your other favorite authors? Dardenne: James Lee Burke—I love everything he does. I’m in the middle of his newest book now. There are beautiful descriptions of Louisiana in the Dave Robicheaux books, they capture the essence of the landscape. I like John Grisham, David Halberstam and John Ed Bradley.
225: Is there one book that has inspired you personally? Dardenne: The Drive Within Me by Bob Pettit. I was cut from the basketball team in junior high, and Bob Pettit was cut from the team at Baton Rouge High. His book inspired me when I was young, and I made the team again at Baton Rouge High. I also like Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations. (Dardenne has two sets of these titles at home and at the office.)
You can browse plenty of vintage and rare tomes at several of the vendors’ tents at this year’s Book Festival. But during the rest of the year, most Baton Rougeans know that a search for unique old books usually ends at Cottonwood Books. With aisles of antique and leather-bound beauties, this local shop offers thousands of options for collectors. Owner Danny Plaisance (also our Signature profile this month; see page 84) reveals five favorites from his selection. cottonwoodbooksbatonrouge.com—Kaci Yoder
Gray’s Inn Journal, 1756
The oldest book in Cottonwood, this simple colonial-era journal is older than America itself, and is in surprisingly good condition.
Historical and Secret Memories of Empress Josephine, 1870s
Aside from its ornate cover, Empress Josephine’s memoirs are notable for their ties to Napoleon and Louisiana’s past.
The Deportments, 1885
Plaisance calls this illustrated guide to late-19th century dress and conduct etiquette”a laugh.”
Rime of the Ancient Mariner, 1889
The classic poem is transformed with textured illustrations in this stunning edition—a “personal favorite” for Plaisance.
Every Man a King, 1933
A first edition of the only book of Huey Long’s published while he was still alive, this is one colorful piece of hometown history.
