The Daily Advertiser

Author Jon Griffin Donlon will discuss his new book, “Bayou Country’s Bloodsport: The Culture of Cockfighting in Southern Louisiana,” at 11 a.m. Saturday at the South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., and 3 p.m. Saturday at Opelousas Public Library, 212 E. Grolee St.

The book talks are free and open to the public.

The book explores the anthropology, culture and history of cockfighting, which is now banned in all 50 states. The author links cockfighting to American immigrant culture and describes the role of gamecocks and roosters in domestic design, their social history and the political science of these complex settings.

Donlon’s book results from his research into the use of animals as combat surrogates. The author, who conducted fieldwork before the cockfighting ban in south Louisiana, discusses gambling, spectatorship, entertainment, risk, recreation reform and other issues related to the sport.

A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with degrees in fine art and social sciences, Donlon is also a photographer whose work has been shown throughout the United States and Europe. Ad Hoc Gardens of Japan, his collection of large, full-color pictures made during his eight years living and traveling in the country, will be shown across Louisiana in 2017 and 2018.

His first exhibit is set for Jan. 16 through Feb. 2 at the Louisiana School Gallery in Natchitoches.

Donlon is a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society of London and a member of both the Louisiana Folklore Society and Popular Culture Association of the United States. He belongs to the Scientific Exploration Society and Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars.

Want go go?

What: “Bayou Country’s Bloodsport: The Culture of Cockfighting in Southern Louisiana" book talk

When: 11 a.m., Saturday, South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., Lafayette; 3 p.m., Saturday Opelousas Public Library, 212 E. Grolee St., Opelousas

Admission: Free