Pelican Guide to the Louisiana Capitol, The

The Pelican Guide to the Louisiana Capitol is a fascinating look at a monumental building. Constructed during the reign of flamboyant Governor Huey P. Long, the Louisiana Capitol Building was designed to be the most impressive capitol building in the nation. Completed in 1932 at a cost of $5 million, it is a prime example of the art deco style. The guide contains more than 110 photographs and drawings of the multitude of impressive friezes, statues, murals, and reliefs--by such leading artists of the period as Lorado Taft and Jules Guerin--that adorn the 34-story structure. The text explores the history and significance of each work of art. Written by Ellen Roy Jolly and James Calhoun, the book includes rare photos of the construction of the capitol, and views from its active history. Many events from the building's past are described, including the death of Huey Long in the building he created. The Pelican Guide to the Louisiana Capitol complements Pelican's lavish pictorial volume, The Louisiana Capitol: Its Art and Architecture, by Vincent F. Kubly, and is intended as a handy guide for on-site observation and appreciation of a unique and stunning building.