New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence [Hardcover]

Randolph Delehanty (Author), Richard Sexton (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

The lush, seductive, nostalgic elegance of New Orleans' streets, parks, and public buildings, as well as the fanciful, nuanced interiors of some of its most beautiful private homes and gardens, are insightfully revealed in this comprehensive photographic homage to the "Venice of North America" Over 200 full-color photographs and an informative, evocative text capture the public face and the private soul of a city perennially fascinating to visitors and residents alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a beautiful introduction to the multicultural art and architecture of the "Crescent City," the cognomen given to the city nestled along a tight bend of the Mississippi River. In this introductory history, the reader is familiarized with many new terms reflecting the multiethnic complexity of the local population. The combination of African, French, and Anglo-American immigrants formed a unique Creole culture that has produced its own music, cuisine, art, and architecture, displayed superbly in a vast variety of photographs. We are taken through interiors and enclaves, stopping in the homes and studios of several contemporary artists. The influence of French Impressionism is juxtaposed with modern New Orleans funk art, and we are struck by Catholic religious art permeating the cultural revelry of the city's famous parades. This book will entice anyone to visit New Orleans and will serve as pleasant reflection for those who have.
- Bruce Alan Hanson, Wayzata East J . H.S. Lib., Minn.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

Created by local writers and photographers, Compass American Guides are the ultimate insider's guides, providing in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of America's most spectacular destinations. Covering everything there is to see and do as well as choice lodging and dining, these gorgeous full-color guides are perfect for new and longtime residents as well as vacationers who want a deep understanding of the region they're visiting.
Outstanding color photography, plus a wealth of archival imagesTopical essays and literary extractsDetailed color mapsGreat ideas for things to see and doCapsule reviews of hotels and restaurants --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1ST edition (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811800741
• ISBN-13: 978-0811800747
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delight for the Senses, December 24, 1999

By 

Laurie L Watson - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence (Hardcover)

As a frequent visitor and sometimes resident of NOLA, I had never found a book that truly captured the local heart of the city and its people...until I received this book. It is a feast for the eyes with its glorious photos. Similarly, its writing--done by a New Orleanian--is refreshing and honest. Everyone I know in New Orleans owns a copy of this book. I love it. I revisit it freqently. It never bores me.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Elegant New Orleans Edition...just as the title suggests!, January 24, 2001

By 

Shannon L. Yarbrough "Shannon L. Yarbrough" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence (Hardcover)

I first came across this book in the french market area near the river while I was visiting New Orleans for the second time. Slightly overpriced for the tourists, I decided to wait until I arrived home to find it cheaper at a local bookstore. It's a beautiful hardbound book with a cloth-covered spine that now sits in an easel at the top of my bookshelf. I have enjoyed it tremendously. Tons of history, and even more fabulous pictures. For any lover of "the big easy." Treat yourself to this book, and don't forget to take a look at part 1, Vestiges of Grandeur. The two make excellent coffee table books for anyone, and all of your guests will certainly spend hours thumbing through them.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If New Orleans could be captured in a book, this is it., July 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence (Hardcover)

Just returned from my fifth trip to the Crescent City and miss it already. I flipped through this book at a shop there and knew I would buy it as soon as I got home. In photographs and words, this is an evocation of New Orleans by two people who obviously love the place. Go with it and you'll be transported! New Orleans isn't perfect, but it is fascinating, unique, and exotic, which this book appreciates and shows off.