This second edition of New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence breathes new life into a highly popular book that sold over 90,000 units in its first iteration 30 years ago. There is a new generation unfamiliar with the book who will embrace its focus on the unique aesthetic that blossomed among New Orleans' most eccentric and creative dreamers in the 1990s. Some were artists; others were architects, preservationists, activists, antiquarians, restaurateurs, and teachers, all living outside the American mainstream. Photographer Richard Sexton documented where and how they lived; what they hoarded, collected, and worshipped. As the revised narrative makes clear, much has changed in New Orleans over the 30 years since this book first appeared, but far more has stayed the same. The reader/viewer of this visually and historically rich book learns that people can create their own evocative environments that express their inner selves.

"One of the almost forgotten ingredients in the modern environmental renaissance that exploded in the 1960's and 1970's was the role played by neighbors turned activists turned world savers. "New Guardians for the Golden Gate" takes us back to the time before professional environmentalism, when an entire movement was created from the back yard out, powered by the simple belief that no one knew better what should happen to a place than the people who loved it."--Carl Pope, Executive Director, The Sierra Club
"This book is an extraordinary tale of how the collection of historic natural and cultural wonders became the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Of the many books about the creation of individual national parks, this is the most comprehensive story in print of the grassroots coalition and political struggles of park creation. We owe Amy not only for a wonderful park, but for a great story of encouragement to all who work for preservation."--U.S. Rep. Mark E. Souder (R-IN), Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Congressional National Parks Caucus
""New Guardians for the Golden Gate" is an extraordinary account of a local endeavor which resulted in a national triumph. The inspiring work of community workers and national leaders like Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi teaches us again how each of us can help shape history. Bravo to Amy Meyer for documenting this history and honoring the spirit and determination of those who worked to make the Golden Gate National Recreation Area a gift for future generations."--U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA)
"This is a marvelous love story between Amy Meyer and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There is no park elsewhere in the United States thatbrings together such unique natural and historic resources with such care and sensitivity for public benefit. We are all deeply indebted to her and her colleagues who fought for years to make it happen. Working with great passion and diligence over many years, they succeeded, and it's all here in this wonderfully told, indeed moving story."--Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Each of our National Parks was created because individual Americans stood up and made it happen. New Guardians for the Golden Gate is a compelling and inspirational story of how these great Americans created this park for the benefit of all of us. A great read for all who care about our parks and our democratic process."--Tom Kiernan, President, National Parks and Conservation Association
"Finally, the story has been told, by a principal protagonist, of one of the most important environmental victories of the late 20th century--the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Amy Meyer's meticulous record-keeping and detailed memory tell the story like no one else could, and in the process, have created a page-turner on par with any good novel. Neighbors, environmentalists, ranchers, politicians, generals and scoundrels interact in this great social history."--Jim Chappell, President, SPUR