Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans [Paperback]

Leonard Huber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 1976

In this pictorial study, the author recounts the history of Carnival in New Orleans, bringing to life in photographs and in text the color, the pulse, and the pageantry that have earned for this annual extravaganza the distinction as "the greatest free show on earth!" Author Leonard Huber traces the evolution of carnival from its modest beginnings, including: Lavish balls during the American regime under Governor William C.C. Claiborne; The first masked parade in 1837; The first torchlight parade by the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857; The coming of Rex and Momus in 1872; Participation of royalty, including Alexis, Grand Duke of Russia, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; The fiercely anti-Republican themes during the bitter years of Reconstruction; Modern innovations and the establishment of new krewes; Creation of the Rex doubloon in 1960. More than 160 photographs and drawings, many of them old and rare, illustrate the fast-moving narrative. One of Louisiana's leading historians, author Leonard Huber was a lifetime observer of Carnival and Mardi Gras. Many of the photographs and memorabilia reproduced in this volume are from his extensive private collection. He also wrote New Orleans: A Pictorial History, published by Pelican.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Leonard V. Huber, a New Orleans businessman, was also a historian, lecturer, and collector of pictures relating to Louisiana and the Mississippi River. He served as president of the Louisiana Landmarks Society, the Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission, and the Friends of the Cabildo.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (January 31, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088289160X
• ISBN-13: 978-0882891606
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Travel > United States
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Pictorial
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Customs & Traditions

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I'd hoped for, February 25, 2002

By 

Lindsay Mcguire "lobster43" (Belfast, ME United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans (Paperback)

I was looking for a basic introduction to Mardi Gras to share with elementary French classes. This book is big on the past, but has little to do with present day Mardi Gras celebrations. The cover is wonderful, and it was images such as this that I was hoping for more of. If it is JUST history you are interested in, this will be a fine choice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Shocking poor quality, April 2, 2010

By 

REBEL (Miami Beach FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans (Paperback)

They say you can't judge a book by its cover; well that was never truer than here. The cover art looks enticing, and the actual book is full of great historical photographs--which would be wonderful if they were of even passable image quality. They're not. Each and every one looks like a low-res, amateur scan from an old newspaper--for all I know, that's what they are. Black and white, of course, not a single one is color--what a crime, documenting this most colorful of celebrations. Blurry, low-contrast, horrible resolution, and most are tiny to boot. This wouldn't even have been acceptable back in 1977, when the book was originally published. For this day and age, it's inexcusable--a waste of time and money. Save your pennies.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Carnival Capers, January 29, 2009

By 

Tammy B. (Phoenix,Az.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans (Paperback)

Good history of Mardi Gras! If you are planning on going to N'awlins for Mardi Gras this will "wet your appetite" for the tradition of the festivities. Enjoy!