Mardi Gras

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.