The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973

Clayton Delery-Edwards

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Book cover for The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973
Book cover for The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973

The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973

The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973

Clayton Delery-Edwards

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Description

On June 24, 1973, a fire in a New Orleans gay bar killed 32 people. This still stands as the deadliest fire in the city's history. Though arson was suspected, and though the police identified a likely culprit, no arrest was ever made. Additionally, government and religious leaders who normally would have provided moral leadership at a time of crisis were either silent or were openly disdainful of the dead, most of whom were gay men. Based upon review of hundreds of primary and secondary sources, including contemporary news accounts, interviews with former patrons of the lounge, and the extensive documentary trail left behind by the criminal investigations, The Up Stairs Lounge Arson tells the story of who used to go to this bar, what happened on the day of the fire, what course the investigations took, why an arrest was never made, and what the lasting effects of the fire have been.

About the Author

Clayton Delery-Edwards is a retired teacher from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He lives in New Orleans.

Critical Reviews

"a must for history and crime buffs...most telling: why an arrest was never made and what impact the fire had on the city, the queer rights movement, and even public policy"--The Advocate; "a very honest look...heart-wrenching...a lot of the book reads more like true crime...the author pulled from police reports, fire reports, newspapers, and personal interviews in providing a clear view...if you are a fan of history, are interested in LGBT history, or just want a great look into a crime that was never truly 'solved', then you will enjoy this book"--Rhodes Review; "chronicles the fire that occurred in a New Orleans gay bar, the Up Stairs Lounge, in June 1973 that was suspected arson and resulted in 32 deaths, but no arrests"--ProtoView; "a very sad moment in the history of New Orleans...the incident was so significant, that there can never be too much written about it...though this is quite a difficult read, it's an important one and Delery-Edwards has done his research well"--Reviews by Amos Lassen.

Publishing Information

Publisher: McFarland & Company
Pub date: 2014-06-19
Length: 216 pages

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