New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead [Hardcover]

Robert Florence (Author), Robert P. Florence (Author), J. Mason Florence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2005

From the edge of the French Quarter to the heart of the bayou, New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead is a journey through the Crescent City as seen through her phenomenal aboveground cemeteries. Through their artful and documentary-style color and black and white photographs, Robert and Mason Florence depict the "cities of the dead" in all their grandeur and decay, exquisite artisanship and humble memorials, their voluminous historical accounts of the city and undefinable spiritual qualities. New Orleans Cemeteries is an enchanting account of one of the world's true treasures, as enjoyable and entertaining as it is educational.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Just as Tennessee Williams' legendary heroine Blanche duBois followed the advice of strangers who suggested she 'take a streetcar named Desire, and then transfer to one called Cemeteries,' those who read "New Orleans Cemeteries" will be taken on a fascinating ride through places where memories of loved ones are still very much alive." -- The Times Picayune, New Orleans, September 28, 1997<br /><br />"New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead by brothers Robert and Mason Florence is a lavish volume overflowing with wonderful photographs of thirteen of the city's wonderful graveyards, as well as historical accounts of each site. Painstakingly assembled, this book is a must for anyone fascinated with this city's aboveground tombs. Yes, Anne Rice does pop up in the chapter on Lafayette Cemetery #1." -- Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat Fan Club Newsletter, Fall, 1997<br /><br />"One doesn't need a sense of the macabre to appreciate the beauty of the cemeteries that constitute one of the Big Easy's distinguishing features. Filled with color and black and white photographs by Mason Florence of the area's above -ground tombs, the book explores the history, art and architecture of 13 burial grounds, as well as the people and traditions that bring them to life." --USA Today, Oct. 31, 1997

From the Author

What struck me most as I researched and wrote this book was how "alive" these remarkable cemeteries really are. In the book, I profile five very unique people who have touching and amazing stories to tell about their experiences and relationships with cemeteries. I wanted this book to be about people, and life, rather than the macabre aspects of death. Although the cemeteries in New Orleans are one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, I have been thanked by locals for documenting monuments which are such an integral part of the life of the city. Fifty-eight photographs from New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead will be on display at the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans for one year so that visitors can see how extraordinary these burial grounds truly are.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 211 pages
• Publisher: Batture Press; 1 edition (June 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965708519
• ISBN-13: 978-0965708517
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #457,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Louisiana

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular pictures, November 7, 2002

By 

M. Clark (OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead (Hardcover)

I would never have went to New Orleans without visiting at least one of the famous above ground cemeteries - I was not disappointed! The history behind them is fascinating. They're built above ground, so that when there is any kind of flooding, the bodies don't float away since New Orleans is 700?ft below sea level. What was really neat to me though, is that one tomb, could and would be used for many generations of the same family. I thought it was a comforting thought to know that you wouldn't be burried alone, but in the exact same place as your ancestors. I think New Orleans people celebrate death, not that they're glad someone is gone, but that they're glad they had the chance to live and love them! There is just a kind of magic about the cemeteries, especially St. Louis #1, the oldest cemetery in the area. The photo's in this book capture that magic! Unfortunately, the section on #1 is small. This book includes many of the cemeteries including St. Louis 2 and 3, and Metairie, which is one of the nicest and most [costly] ones. I highly recommend this book for it's information and photography! If you go to see #1, it is in a not-so-good crime area that is improving, but make sure you go with a tour! The tour guides always have some interesting extra info!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not your average graveyard book., December 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead (Hardcover)

Filled with lovely photographs, this book is both entertaining and educational. It gives a brief history of the whys and wherefores of the burial practices in southern Louisiana, as well as describing how the tombs are cared for in the present. It also makes a great guide, if one is planning to visit the cemeteries in and around New Orleans. Easy to read, but never insulting to one's intelligence, this book gives a fascinating view of the cities of the dead.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST book on New Orleans Cemeteries in Existence!!!, January 3, 2005

By 

Minda Powers Douglas "TheCemeteryClub.com" (Moline, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Orleans Cemeteries: Life in the Cities of the Dead (Hardcover)

Rob Florence's book is hands-down the best book on New Orleans cemeteries I have found--and, believe me, I've looked. I'm researching cemeteries. Not only is there tons of information, but he has also included personal stories of people who have loved ones entombed as well as of some who are entombed. I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Florence recently, and he is a walking and talking encyclopedia of knowledge. If you're taking a trip to New Orleans, sign up now to take one of his tours through Historic New Orleans Tours. You won't be disappointed. Before you do that, though, BUY THIS BOOK to take along with you!