Mardi Gras . . . As It Was

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 .