New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence

This rating is not for the book but for the disappointment of not getting what I thought I ordered, and an attempt to keep others from the same disappointment.I read some of the reviews, clicked on the "look inside" and then bought this book. I thought I would get the book I looked at when I "looked inside". NO. That is not what you get. When you click on "look inside" you get to see the hardcover 2003 version. It appears to be written by a different person than the paperback 1990's version you will get if you buy this one, though the photographer is the same. Though I haven't looked deeply yet, some of the pictures appear to be different between the two, and as noted the writer appears to be different. There is a small disclaimer at the top of "look inside" that tells you you won't get the book you are looking at when you order, but I didn't notice it until now, as I am trying to figure out why I didn't get the book I thought I was getting. So, be sure to be aware which book you are ordering and don't be fooled by the "look inside" option. If you want the hardcover, be sure that is what you are ordering, or you will end up with a paperback that is about ten years older than the hard cover. Also note they are both pre Katrina. I gave it four stars because I didn't want to drag down the books overall rating when I'm not reviewing the book itself, just trying to clarify what you will get if you order and wanted to warn people who don't read all the fine print, like myself.

After a trip to New Orleans, I searched in vain for a book about the architecture of the city, which was just gorgeous. Nothing was available in the gift shops and souvenir shops, surprisingly. So I came home and bought this one from Amazon. It's a bit dated, but it has pretty much what I was looking for: beautiful photos and explanations of the history and style of this unique city. Maybe the shops should pick this one up as an item to sell.My interest was exterior architecture, which this book has, but it also includes interiors and a whole section on Mardi Gras. I would have preferred more on the exterior, but I am glad to have bought this one as a "souvenir" of my stay.

What can I say? Any book even MENtioning my great former Galveston-era friend Joel Dyer and his Victorian design savvy is of great interest to me. And I was thrilled to see another antique framed poster of a New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe's tableau (parade float illustrations) like the one I found folded up in a Galveston junk shop in the early '80s. I'm proud that newspaper insert hangs in my dining room. If only my l'il darling pooch, kd, hadn't chosen to chew a good part of the book's cover! I believe the book's out of print (or is it?).

Absolutely amazing book and great photos. I love New Orleans and because we won’t go there this year I was looking for something to look at - in terms of photos. Excellent photos and absolutely shows the spirit !

This book was for my mother who at 88 years young decided to take a bus trip to New Orleans. A great insight about the city she had never visited. She was so pleased with the content and photography in the book.

I bought this as a memory book/gift for a young lady who is from CA and had never been to NOLA! She loved it!

As a former resident of New Orleans I have many books on the city.This is one of my favorite so far as photographs of New Orleans, inside and out.Beautiful photography, brilliant colour and great subject matter make this book a must have for those who love New Orleans.This book is also a great gift for anyone. I never tire of looking at it! It has a history of the city in the foremost part of the book that adds to it's attraction.Just a great book!Annalisa

This is a beautiful, thoughtfully done book that transported me back to New Orleans, where I love to visit and have never had the good luck to live. It's a soulful place full of creative approaches to living and this book is a tribute to that.

As described. Arrived in good time and securely packaged. Great book. Thank you!