Campanella (Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities) discusses how New Orleans' singular topography and geography influenced the city's growth and development. He traces the problematic founding of the city as early settlers fought malarial mosquitoes and a hostile swampland, and examines the precarious topography that inspired its nickname, the Crescent City. Finally, he explores how the city's geography informed its culture, as well as the cultural elements that defined the New Orleans cityscape. The book contains 356 color photos and 120 maps. Oversize: 13x10.25<">. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)