Mardi Gras: A Pictorial History of Carnival in New Orleans (Paperback)

~ Leonard V. Huber (Author) "Starting just after Christmas and continuing until Lent, the carnival season in New Orleans, Louisiana, is observed with some ninety large-scale tableau balls and more..." (more)
Key Phrases: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Canal Street (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this pictorial study, author Leonard Huber recounts the history of Carnival in New Orleans, bringing to life in photographs and in text the colour, the pulse, and the pageantry that have earned for this annual extravaganza the distinction as 'the greatest free show on earth!' Step by step, the author 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 Dutchess of Windsor; The fiercely anti-Republican themes during the bitter years of Reconstruction; Modern innovations and the establishment of new Krewes; and Creation of the Rex doubloon in 1960. More than 160 photographs and drawings, many of them old and rare, illustrate the fast-moving narrative. Also included are reproductions of elaborate ball invitations dating from the nineteenth century, as well as portraits of early kings and queens. Huber was one of Louisiana's leading historians who spent a lifetime observing Carnival and Mardi Gras. Many of the photographs and memorabilia reproduced in this volume were from his extensive private collection.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company (August 1989)
• 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: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #341,024 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 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)

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.

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

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

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!

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Realistic Look on Mardi Gras, February 26, 2001

By	Immortal (New Orleans) - See all my reviews

This book makes use of many pictures and historical references to past celebrations of Mardi Gras.