The life of visionary philanthropist and educational activist.

In this volume of the Center for Louisiana Studies' Louisiana Life Series, Mr. Ciravolo takes a hard look at the man John McDonogh and at his legacy because, as the author states, "In the history of New Orleans, there is no philanthropic legacy of greater impact than that of John McDonogh." But McDonogh's contributions to the welfare of others, particularly in the field of education, have never been analyzed and interpreted in a non-fictional, publicly published book until now.

Although McDonogh's surname is widely known in the New Orleans area, there is disagreement on its significance. To some, his name is associated with a great, early American philanthropist; to others, it is, or was, merely the name of someone's school; and to others, the name represents someone whose name should be totally erased.

In an effort to present a clear image of McDonogh's life and legacy and the impact of the latter on New Orleans and nearby Gretna, Mr. Ciravolo, an attorney and historian, presents the complexities of the man and the popular misunderstanding that surrounded him during his lifetime and down to today.

Ciravolo's work will be well received by readers interested in the early days of the Orleans Parish school system and McDonogh's impact upon it. It will also give pause for thought to those who have accepted the McDonogh myth without knowing McDonogh the man.

Volume 12 of the Louisiana Life Series

Table of Contents

Chapter 1
McDonogh's Biography

Chapter 2
McDonogh's Last Will and Testament

Chapter 3
Attempts to Explain McDonogh's Actions

Chapter 4
McDonogh Schools Built: The New Orleans Public School System Saved

Chapter 5
Events in McDonoghville

Chapter 6
McDonoghville Cemetery

Chapter 7
McDonogh Day in New Orleans

Chapter 8
McDonogh's Living Legacy

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