LeJeune to discuss ‘Louisiana Outlaws’

JENNINGS — Keagan LeJeune, a native of Jennings, will discuss his recent book, “Legendary Louisiana Outlaws: The Villains and Heroes of Folk Justice,” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Jeff Davis Parish Library, 118 West Plaquemine St.

LeJeune is professor of English at McNeese State University and past president of the Louisiana Folklore Society, along with editor of its journal, Louisiana Folklore Miscellany. He has collected stories about outlaws and Louisiana folklore for more than 15 years. He has received the Louisiana Literary Award and the Brian McConnell Book Award.

In this book, LeJeune draws from historical accounts and folklore to examine the moments and legal climate that spawned these characters.

He shows how Jean Laffite embodied Louisiana’s shift from a French and Spanish legal system to an American one, and relates how notorious groups like the West and Kimbrell Clan served as community leaders and law officers but covertly preyed on Neutral Strip residents.

Recounting each outlaw’s life, LeJeune also considers their motives for breaking the law. Running from authorities and trying to escape imprisonment or even death, these men and women often relied on the support of ordinary people, sympathetic in the face of oppressive and unfair laws.

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For more information or to register for the book discussion, call Iris Hollier at 337-824-1210.