ICFJ Director Mary Ann Sternberg has long been fascinated by Louisiana's vivid culture and history, especially along the legendary Mississippi River Road. This month, Louisiana State University (LSU) Press is publishing two of her books portraying the people and places of this American treasure.

In a series of 15 sketches, River Road Rambler recounts the colorful lore of many spots along the Mississippi River Road. In addition to more notable landmarks, Sternberg visits some places that have remained hidden to the public.

Along the River Road: Past and Present on Louisiana's Historic Byway is the third edition of Sternberg's popular travel guide. She leads the reader upriver on the east bank of the Mississippi and downriver along the west, profiling dozens of locales along this famous route.