THE "BLUE BOOK":A Bibliographical Attempt to Describe the Guide Books to the Houses of "Ill Fame" in New Orleans as They Were Published There. Together with some pertinent and illuminating remarks pertaining to the "Establishments and Courtesans" as well as to "Harlotry" in general in New Orleans. By Semper Idem

First edition, "limited" (without a statement of number). 8vo. (6), 9-77 pp. Illustrated from photographs, title pages, ephemera, advertisements, etc., plates. Describes 13 of the "Blue Books," directories and advertising works for New Orleans "houses of ill repute," issued nearly annually through the early years of the 20th century. For an expanded, scholarly view of the "Blue Book," adding editions not seen by Heartman and facsimiles and forgeries from the 1950-1970s era, see "Guidebooks to Sin" by Pamela Arceneaux (Historic New Orleans Collection, c2017). Stamp of the New Orleans Jazz Museum on verso of the front endpaper. Two short tears in fore-edge of front endpaper, else very good. Original light blue cloth with title in darker blue on the upper cover. (11097).