A good first place to learn more about Anne Rice’s New Orleans is Rice’s website, where she describes each of the places that were pivotal for her novels, and includes many pictures.
There are many books of description and pictures on New Orleans, the following are just a taste of what exists:
New Orleans Then and Now by Richard Campanella has nearly 400 pictures, dating from 1847 to the present, which compares views from the past and present. Aerial photographs, maps and satellite images provide a larger context in which to place the photographs of individual buildings. It shows just how much, and how little the buildings have changed. This book was published in 1999, before hurricane Katrina, so many of the places may have changed since its publication.
New Orleans Architecture, Volume 1: The Lower Garden District by Samuel Wilson and Bernard Lemann et al. focuses on only the Lower Garden District, which is one of New Orleans most comprehensive 19th-century Greek Revival communities. There are many books in the series, all worth checking out.
The Majesty of the Garden District by Lee Malone with photographs by Paul Malone takes a detailed look at the architecture in the Garden District. This book was yet again published before hurricane Katrina, in 1994, so many of these buildings may have been damaged, and since changed.
The Majesty of the French Quarter by Kerri McCaffey focuses on the whole community; it includes hotels, churches, restaurants, antique shops, art galleries and private residences. This book was published in 1999, before hurricane Katrina.
Historic Buildings of the French Quarter by Lloyd Vogt focuses on both the architecture itself and and the history behind the trends. This focuses on the architectural details including floor plans but does not include pictures of the interior design in these buildings. This was published in 2003, before Katrina.
Creole New Orleans; Race and Americanization edited by Hirsch and Logsdon was published in 1992. It is a collection of six essays that explore the ethnic history of New Orleans. These essays argue that the Franco-African cultures that developed in New Orleans are unique, and that they warrant study and which allowed the city to resist change historically. An interesting read for the academically inclined.
Intimate Enemies; the Two Worlds of the Baroness De Pontalba by Christina Vella is a biography of the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba who led a very interesting life. Her life is unbelievable at times, such as when a family member shot her four times, then shot himself–but she miraculous survived. Her fortune was threatened by many, but through willpower and political prowess, she regained her position and wealth. A suggested read for anyone interested in New Orleans and life there in the 1800’s.
Interview with the Vampire 