The scarcity of Louisiana's recorded past provides a great opportunity for the return of François Martin's intriguing work, "The History of Louisiana." Originally published in 1827, this is one of the classic historical studies of the Pelican State by one of Louisiana's most thorough early historians. Martin befriended many leading figures of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Louisiana, enabling him to write from a personal knowledge of people and events.

Martin based much of his work on the writings of earlier authorities such as Garcilas de la Vegas, Pierre Charlevoix, and Daniel Coxe. His experiences as Supreme Court justice for 31 years, legislator, and historian armored him with the ability to tell history objectively while integrating his own critical judgement and interpretation. Finishing the account at the age of sixty five, his involvement in the government from 1803 to 1815 carry that section of the book vastly in depth. Martin takes readers on a journey through Louisiana's history from the adventures of Hernando de Soto to the pains of a state in secession. More than one hundred fifty years ago, this chronicler covered new ground in what many observers refer to as "the first history of Louisiana which merits the name."

With an introduction by Tulane University's Robert C. Reinders, this edition also features a biography of Martin along with an index, making it useful and enjoyable for both scholars and general readers alike.