The INDsider -> Leslie Turk FRI, DEC 4 11:21AM by Leslie Turk

Edwin Edwards’ biography hits bookstores Dec. 14

It took almost five years and some serious editing (at one time the book was 1,800 pages), but Leo Honeycutt has completed the authorized biography of Louisiana’s most controversial governor. Edwin Edwards: An Authorized Biography, hits bookstores Dec. 14, according to The Times-Picayune. The book’s Web site still does not include a release date.

Political columnist John Maginnis reports today that the first signing will be Dec. 13 at the State Archives Building in Baton Rouge, also noting that on Dec. 17 Honeycutt will be at the Old Governor’s Mansion for a talk and signing, sponsored by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana.

With a foreward by former Gov. Dave Treen, who had been fighting for Edwards' freedom until his recent death, the book was edited back to 641 pages.

Former Gov. Edwards, 82, is nearing the end of his 10-year prison term for scheming to rig riverboat licenses. He is due to be released from the Oakdale Correctional Facility in January 2011 and will then spend six months in a halfway house to earn his freedom.

Edwards hand-picked Honeycutt to write the book, though the journalist has maintained he had editorial freedom.

Articles by this Author:

View all articles by this author

Comments (9)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by James S , December 04, 2009 - 06:55 pm

Would not read about the scumbag if paid to do so...

...
written by Morrow , December 04, 2009 - 09:54 pm

I can hardly wait to get my copy! There are worse biographies to read. If anyone thinks graft and corruption in Louisiana politics went away because Edwards served time, they're delusional. I think we got better service for our under the table money, or our you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours money, under Edwards than the past 3 governors. And Jindal, well, he hasn't given us anything! He's good at raising campaign funds for himself and others, but he's paved very few roads, done very little for the people of Louisiana. Jindal's biography would be very small, very boring since he's accomplished nothing of any importance.

...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN : , December 04, 2009 - 10:00 pm

AY, James S, ya couillie, he didn't give ya ah pardon???

...
written by Who cares , December 04, 2009 - 10:29 pm

No doubt it will be in the fiction section.

...
written by Phil , December 05, 2009 - 02:27 am

The only part I would be interested in is where his highly decorated Marine brother was buried, and he didn't attend. Was it because EWE was dis-invited? The title should be "Hubris", or "The Man who could have been the Greatest Governor, but wasn't".

...
written by Cajunhiker , December 05, 2009 - 03:21 am

Interested in reading about the 1979 governor's race from Edwards' point of view, and then reading Sonny Mouton's response. So many character's in that race, Dave Treen, Louis Lambert, Jimmy Fitzmorris, Paul Hardy, Bobby Freeman, Mouton and the subsequent FBI Bri-Lab investigation in which infamous New Orleans lawyer Arthur Lemmon defended Edwards. So much drama between Fitzmorris and Lambert, alleging voter fraud and guards at the polls. Hopefully, Edwards' biography answers questions about his influence in this race for governor.

...
written by erinmonalisa , December 05, 2009 - 12:40 pm

Cannot wait to read! Edwards is by far not the first or the last to get "wrapped up" in the money and power! He didn't hurt Louisiana and I admire him.

...
written by ginie , January 02, 2010 - 12:30 am

Am reading the book now. A great Louisiana history book. He probably did more for the poor, teachers, state workers, and blacks than any other governor. He was not a Saint. But, ???????????

...
written by Marie G , January 28, 2010 - 09:21 pm

I just started reading the book and love every word so far. If EWE got out today and ran again tomorrow I would vote for him again.

You must be logged in to post a comment. Log in using your Facebook account or register if you do not have an account yet.

Most Read

Remembering Ricky Rees

The veteran police officer remembered by friends for his large and small acts of kindness will be laid to rest Wednesday.
Zachary Barker takes helm of the Opportunity Machine

Zachary Barker continues making waves in Lafayette’s business scene, mostly recently being named director of the Opportunity Machine.
Shakin' at the Shack

There will soon be a whole lot of shakin’ going on at Benny’s Sportshack Supplement Depot, a new concept by Opelousas native Benny Nele. Located at 2002 Johnston St., the supplement shop, smoothie bar and café, featuring hot off the press paninis and wraps, plans to open in late May.
Lafayette’s ‘sinking ship’ is cash flow positive

“We’ve crossed that magic threshold,” LUS Director Terry Huval says.
Child porn nets deMahy 2 years in prison

Philip deMahy Sr., a once respected New Iberia ad exec, was sentenced May 2 to spend the next two years (he faced up to 100 years) in a state penitentiary after state and federal investigators found dozens of images depicting children engaged in lewd sexual acts on his personal computer.

in case you missed it

COOL TOWN 2013

This year’s Cool Town issue is all about people who are not native to South Louisiana but made a conscious decision to be here, to be among us, to participate in our culture and contribute to it.
A curious compact

A shelved ordinance transferring $200,000 from a northside drainage project to a south Lafayette development may not break any laws, but it stinks to high heaven.
Pooyie 2012

It's good, it's bad and it's just plain crazy.
Saving Saturday Night

An effort to restore a shuttered dancehall and document other vacant or razed honky-tonks could serve as a model for saving an endangered species of entertainment.
Posthaste vs. HART FORTENBERY

Lafayette’s gene pool has been host to a long line of eccentric characters who have blurred the lines between crazy, genius, disturbed and curiously entertaining.