Stunning architecture. An exciting mix of colorful cultures. Dixieland jazz and zydeco. Heritage celebrated proudly in countless parades and music festivals. Crawfish and jambalaya. It’s all this and more about "The Big Easy" that induces pride in residents and attracts more than eight million tourists each year. The spirit of the city comes alive in the pictorial guide New Orleans. Informative captions and chapter introductions detail the multi-faceted aspects of life in Louisiana’s world-famous city. Glorious four color photographs abound and illustrate what makes New Orleans so special. New Orleans follows the local philosophy, "laissez les bon temps rouler" ("let the good times roll"). Chapters explore the whimsical narcissism of the city’s inhabitants and their outlook on life, the importance of food in the Crescent city, the drive to preserve local architecture and customs, and of course the abundance of celebrations, including Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and many more. New Orleans will be treasured by residents and visitors alike. Laura A. McElroy is a freelance photographer whose work has been published in several magazines.