Mardi Gras . . . as It Was

By Robert Tallant

Book Overview

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an annual
explosion of tumultuous celebration. It began among the French Creoles of New
Orleans, and after the Civil War developed into a city-wide event with the
visit of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis in 1870.
In this reprint of the classic work by one of Louisiana's most notable
authors, Robert Tallant examines the history and customs of Mardi Gras. He
depicts the glittering balls, the ragtag marching clubs, the hilarious satires
of the Zulu parade, and the grandeur of Rex. The volume tells how Mardi Gras
has grown from a simple celebration to become the soul of the city.
Robert Tallant (1909-1957) was one of Louisiana's best-known authors, and
participated in the WPA Writers Project during the 1930s and 1940s. Besides
Mardi Gras . . . As It Was, Tallant also wrote Voodoo in
New Orleans and The Voodoo Queen . With Lyle Saxon and
Edward Dreyer he co-authored the famous collection Gumbo Ya-Ya.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0882897225
• ISBN13: 9780882897226
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

An Important History

The aptly named Robert Tallant was a collaborator of Lyle Saxon, and in many ways his heir in mid 20th century New Orleans historical circles. Although Saxon is better known, Tallant was more prolific and also was a photographer of some note. His photographs may be seen at the website of the New Orleans public library, www.nutrias.org. This is one of many important Louisiana books Tallant wrote. It is a clear and unvarnished history of Carnival up to the late 1940s. Some things about Carnival have, thankfully, not changed since then, so the book is at once a scroll from the past and relevant today. This book is an essential starting point for understanding how Carnival is intertwined with New Orleans society.