'Cities of the Dead' in New Orleans

    New Orleans is a place of history and mystery, and nowhere is this more evident than in the above-ground cemeteries that are scattered around the city. 

    The oldest tombs are found in St. Louis Cemetery 1 (established 1789), while the most opulent are in Metairie Cemetery.

    Aesthetically beautiful graves in Metairie Cemetery include the tomb of the poker-faced gambler J.V. “Never Smile” Harrington, and the family of millionaire philanthropist Chapman Hyams that features a blue angel in mourning. Then, in St. Louis Cemetery 1, there's the communal tomb of a society of free people of color who raised money to buy the freedom of slaves during antebellum times. More on the subject, including phenomenal photographs, can be found in the newly released book, “Cities of the Dead: Historic New Orleans Cemeteries,” available at www.acadianhouse.com. The book’s title comes from the idea that the above-ground graves lined up neatly in rows bear a resemblance to residential neighborhoods. The book was written by New Orleans area resident Jennie Robinson and photographed by her husband, Dr. Carl Robinson.