Perique, prized by connoisseurs as the strongest and most flavorful of tobacco varietals, is cultivated only one place on earth: a 30-square-mile tract of land in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

Charles Martin has lived his life in Louisiana along the banks of the Mississippi River. A farmer's son, he absorbed the River Parish culture, where craft is second only to hard work. Off the farm he explored the surrounding wetlands, cultivating a thorough understanding of its inhabitants and seasons as well as an appreciation for its vacillating footprint.

Martin first picked up a camera as an extension of his enthusiasm for the bayou. Inspired by his daughters to find additional means of enjoying nature outside of hunting and fishing, he thought photography would give him an opportunity to study the wetlands with less disruption. Soon, his experiences as a hunter provided him with photographic opportunities in places far out of reach of casual observers and what began as a hobby became a passion.

Martin's initial interest in photographing nature led him to capture unexplored facets of River Parish life. Tobacco farming, raising Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee his images tell the stories of tight-knit communities possessing a strong sense of tradition. His images are sensitive and enlightening, demonstrating a deep respect for the people he photographs.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Historic New Orleans Collection; First edition (August 19, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 104 pages / glossy color pages / black and white photos
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0917860621
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.9 x 0.4 x 10 inches