"The Lords of Misrule" looks at a side of Mardi Gras beyond the fantastical floats, bead-throwing krewes, and elaborate costumes. Author James Gill goes back to the origins of Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy to examine how race and politics shaped New Orleans' greatest celebration.

Don't assume this will be an arid history lesson -- as a journalist, Gill is skilled at writing clearly and with energy. And through the lens of Mardi Gras, he gives keen insight into New Orleans' past and present.

"The Lords of Misrule" was published in 1997 and so preceded the Katrina disaster by eight years, but its commentary on race in New Orleans gives perspective on the events surrounding the hurricane's landfall. That said, the book is not a diatribe and is great fun to read, all the while addressing serious subject matter. ( )