In this excellent study of New Orleans, Mr. Campanella weaves together the local geography, geology, history, demography, and economy into a comprehensive description of the urban fabric of one of the world's great cities. Most of the entries come from newspaper columns penned by Mr. Campanella over the years; he has gathered and organized them into one collection, added sections on the local geography and geology, an index, notes, and references. Everything about the volume is well executed. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in New Orleans history and development, or even if you just want to know why the roads are laid out as they are. Mr. Campanella has written a definitive study of New Orleans' historical geography. ( )