Somebodies: The Real New Orleans

Author/Contributor(s):	Gilbert, Thom
Publisher:	G Editions
Date:	8/25/2026
Binding:	Hardcover
Condition:	NEW

This is a singular, unique and original exploration of one of America’s greatest and most beloved and visited cities by tourists and explores too of the home environment, by New Orleans residents. This incredible photographic survey punctuated by intimate and lively texts, created by a highly regarded photographer who has a unique eye even when exploring the “normal” is expected to enchant anyone who encounters it. It includes original photographs and a text including a wide variety of photographs by a photographer who always has an artistic and exciting new take on the subjects he photographs. Its subjects run the gamut from music, to historic locations, to important residents, to food, and architecture. Anything that captured the eye of a world class photographer who imbues all of his books with their own life that leaps of the age in words and pictures for its readers.

But the book is not just a photographic survey: Thom Gilbert makes contact with the luminaries in the environment and interviews them in their unique environments. The greatness of this book hangs on the “somebodies” who have made the town the world-class environment that it is today. Just some of the “names” here interviewed and photographed include James Carville, Emeril, Jon Batiste, John Berendt—international luminaries who have made the ethos of New Orleans boundless on a national level. New Orleans is known for it’s round-the-clock nightlife, vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. This book embodies all of these and its festive spirit that begins with Mardi Gras and ends with a great meal, documented in a singular way by a world class portraitist of cultures writ large.

Like every book and photographic work created by Thom Gilbert, this is a first book of its kind: a fine art documentary that offers rare, all-access insight into a uniquely American culture on the rise. Ideal for local residents of New Orleans, visitors and armchair tourists, and collectors of unique fine art photography. It is visually stunning and an essential addition to any bookshelf. Oh!...and it is lots of fun, too.