The Majesty of the French Quarter (Majesty Architecture) (Hardcover)

by Kerri McCaffety (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
In 1716 John Law, in what McCaffety calls a "real-estate scam," persuaded the Duc d'Orleans to sell shares for a French settlement. A flood wiped out the settlement in the first year, but the colonists continued to come. By the mid-19th century, New Orleans was the busiest port in the world, with a strange alchemy of European, Carbbean, and American influences in character and architecture that is totally unique. NPR's recent report on the damage done in Louisiana and particularly in New Orleans by the voracious Formosa termite makes viewing these two books of stylish photography even more poignant. Award-winning photographer McCaffety (Obituary Cocktail: The Great Saloons of New Orleans) lovingly records scenes of luxury and decay in the Vieux Carr or the French Quarter of New Orleans. McCaffety offers the reader views that elude the countless tourists. We are privy to private, antiques-filled residences, walled courtyards with balconies and fountains, lush tropical gardens--what she calls "the city's hidden memory." Sexton's work looks at "the River Road," a stretch of highway that links New Orleans to Baton Rouge. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has identified the area as one of the most endangered historic sites in the United States. Law's influence was shown here also, as he was given a charter to increase the French population to 10,000 in a ten-year period. Likewise, a distinctive architecture evolved here: the plantation on the river with a dominant main house. Much of the style is still around, and with aerial photographer Alex MacLean, Sexton captures the grandeur. We see standing chimneys from lost glorious homes, stately houses still active and enjoyed, and plantations of historical note. Sexton also shows other notable architecture and its geography--tenement "shotgun" houses, cemeteries, churches, steamboat landings, levees, swamp, sugarcane, and massive oaks hanging with Spanish Moss are occasionally interspersed by abandoned oil refineries and massive new petro-chemical operations. Both of these books are essential regional purchases, but they are also highly recommended for architecture, photography, and history collections everywhere.
-Joseph C. Hewgley, Nashville P.L.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Photojournalist McCaffety's homage to New Orleans' French Quarter reads and looks like a tourist seduction. With an emphasis on pictures, this coffee-table book cum vacation brochure invites readers into the heart of this Louisiana city's interiors and exteriors. It meanders a bit--with a soupcon of history, geography, and literary details--until it reaches its soul: an exploration of the five types of homes, from the deceptively simple Creole cottage to service structures known as garconnieres (for young men), among others. We peek inside some amazing residences, homes to art dealers and ambassadors, with side notes about famous authors drawn to the Quarter's charms, such as William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, and Walker Percy. An unabashed salute to a uniquely American polyglot city. Barbara Jacobs

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company; Includes 287 color photos and 2 maps edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565544145
• ISBN-13: 978-1565544147
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #457,677 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Majesty of the French Quarter, February 28, 2000

By	Michael Rogers (New Orleans, LA) - See all my reviews

While I may not personally know all the people represented in this book, it is one of the finest presentations of my neighborhood I've ever seen. Not only that, it also gives the casual visitor to the neighborhood, the brief chance to look inside the beautiful buildings that they see. I wish I could have been with her on the photo shoots and I (jealously) wish she had photographed mine...it's kind of great too.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love New Orleans!, December 27, 2001

By A Customer

I really love New Orleans and really love this book! The pictures in it are beautiful and really capture the French Quarter well. I love having this book so that when I miss NOLA, I can just open it up and feel like I'm there! I also like using this book for decorating ideas. I would suggest this book to anyone who loves New Orleans, or someone looking for decorating ideas. It is a great addition to my New Orleans books collection!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Everything Old is New Again!", March 23, 2000

By	Ann-Marie LeBlanc (North Little Rock, Arkansas) - See all my reviews

Having been raised in New Orleans over 40 years ago, it's thrilling to see a new perpsective of the beautiful "old haunts". Visitors to the French Quarter rarely ever glimpse the magnificent beauty to behold. This book guides the reader through a fabulous tour of private and public places, with a fresh vision of their intrigue. Kerri has really captured the visual magic and splendor which is so hard to describe; but, seeing is believeing! Exquisite gift to all, Kerri!