Majesty of the River Road, The - Hardcover

Along the levees that parallel the Mississippi River runs the River Road, once a major thoroughfare during the development of the river region between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In the 1720s, cotton and sugarcane plantations began taking form. As the agricultural economy grew, so did the wealth of the region. Each plantation owner tried to erect the most exquisite mansion possible.

As the years wore on, the ravages of time and the War Between the States have been seen in the deterioration and destruction of some of these homes. During Reconstruction, some of the homes were restored; others were restored in recent years by descendents of original owners.

Master photographer Paul Malone captures thirty-five of these palatial homes in more than 150 full-color photographs. Ornate stairways and foyers, elaborate parlors, and spectacular bedrooms complete with period furnishings are highlighted in almost 100 photographs of the elegant plantation home interiors.

To enhance the photographs and to guide you through the region, Lee Malone relates the history of each home and describes the architectural significance of each building. A map showing locations of each of the thirty-five homes is thoughtfully included for easy reference.

Paul Malone was a portrait photographer and a member of the Professional Photographers of America. Lee Malone is a former manager of the Paul Malone Photography studio in New Orleans.

The Majesty of the River Road is an excellent companion book to The Majesty of the Felicianas, The Majesty of New Orleans, and The Majesty of the Garden District, all by Lee and Paul Malone and published by Pelican.