Originally published in 1971, this book was hailed as the most comprehensive collection of photos, paintings, and drawings documenting the history, development, and customs of the city of New Orleans that has ever been produced. From La Salle’s claim of the Louisiana territory in the name of France in 1682, to the decisive Battle of New Orleans in 1815, to the fast-growing city of the mid- to late-nineteenth century, historian Leonard V. Huber provides a chronological study of this unforgettable city which is both extensive and educational.
Over 1,000 revealing pictures encapsulate such events and records as early settlers confronting the Indians, the first plans for the city, the French and Spanish regimes, the evolution of architectural styles, the development of Canal Street as the major thoroughfare in the city, the mysterious “cities of the dead,” infamous natural disasters that crippled the city, Bourbon Street, the unique ferry and streetcar systems, the romantic steamboat era, bustling French Market scenes, the influence of jazz, and much, much more. The phenomenon of Mardi Gras is dealt with extensively, as are the cultural offerings of the city (theatre, opera, fine arts, and cuisine) throughout history.
Pelican’s reprint of this fine, authoritative volume will be welcomed by historians, natives, students, and visitors to the city alike, and will bring to life the fascinating history of one of the most famous and charming cities in the world.
About the Author
Leonard V. Huber (1903-1984) was one of Louisiana’s leading historians and experienced a lifetime’s worth of Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Huber was a businessman and an author. He was active in many local historical organizations around the city and wrote many books and articles based in his experiences with the Crescent City, such as steamboats, cemeteries, postal history, Mardi Gras, and New Orleans landmarks. He acted as president of the Louisiana Landmarks Society, Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission, and Keyes Foundation. He was also a founding member and a president of the Friends of Tulane Library, and the library holds this and other titles of Huber’s.
About the Foreword Author
Charles L. Dufour (1903-1996) was a newspaper journalist, historian, and author. He served as a columnist for the New Orleans States-Item newspaper and wrote thousands of installments of his column, called “Pie Dufour’s A La Mode” as well as for the Sunday edition of the Times-Picayune. He lived in New Orleans for the duration of his life. For twenty-five years, he taught a New Orleans history course at Tulane University with his colleague, John Churchill Chase.