Ghosts Along the Mississippi: An Essay in the Poetic Interpretation of Louisiana's Plantation Architecture [ Anne Rice's Copy ]

Clarence John Laughlin

New York: Bonanza Books, 1961. Hardcover. Item #5278

From the personal collection of Anne Rice, acclaimed author of “Interview with the Vampire” and chronicler of New Orleans’ Gothic soul. A photographic collection capturing haunting and grand Southern architecture.

Quarto. Quarter grey cloth spine with black paper-covered boards. 100 full-page plates illustrating the fading elegance of Southern architecture with commentary. Moderate wear to boards; front and rear panels show wrinkling, edges rubbed, and corners bumped. Hinges to both panels are splintered but binding remains sound. Light toning to text block. The dust jacket exhibits wrinkling, edgewear, and a few closed tears. Now preserved in a removable archival mylar cover. Label affixed to lower spine of jacket.

A poignant association copy, reflecting Rice’s artistic and personal preoccupation with the beauty of decay.

Anne Rice herself was no stranger to haunting architecture. She famously restored St. Elizabeth’s Orphanage in New Orleans , the vast 19th-century edifice originally run by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, and transformed it into a private residence, studio, and site of her lavish “Memnoch Ball.” The estate, boasting 93 rooms, was home to her extensive collections of dolls, art, and religious statuary. Upon acquiring the property, Rice released a statement: “Usually Americans have to go to Europe to obtain an old villa, palazzo, or chateau… We have found one right here in one of the most beautiful cities in America. And all our plans are in complete harmony with the lovely work of the architects who built St. Elizabeth’s Home.”

The home even appears in her fiction. In “Memnoch the Devil” her immortal Lestat is given refuge in the estate. In "The Vampire Armand," the titular character shares his story of origin in the attic of St. Elizabeth's.

A unique edition.

Please note, this item is available for media mail shipping unless otherwise arranged.

Price: $135.00  other currencies