A Short History of Las Vegas

This history of Las Vegas is indeed short but more important than that, nearly every page is interesting and entertaining. I was not all that impressed with the final chapter about what there is to do and see outside the city which is why this book only gets 4 stars instead of 5. That last chapter seemed misplaced in this book. But the entire rest of the book which tells the history of the city is wonderful. It gives you all the most interesting stories and information without overdoing it. It is just enough for someone who wants an overview of the city but isn't all that interested in becoming an expert.

The Lands have an easy, breezy writing style. In particular they bring the last 100 years of Las Vegas history alive with many photos of the times and observations of citizens and visitors alike who were there. Although they do not discuss the role the divorce business or the wedding industry played in the city's development (and weddings are associated with Vegas almost as much as gaming), the picture of the city presented here is fun and informative. To quote the authors quoting Steve Wynn, "Las Vegas is a party that never stops. God bless this daffy place."

This books gives an general overall history of Las Vegas and its chameleonistic changes over time. From the dawn of mans first wanderings into the Las Vegas area to modern day gambling mecca and suburban success, this book packs a short, but sweet punch into a somewhat short span. This book is good for people interested in Las Vegas history where general Nevada history leaves off,

This book is a look back at Las Vegas and the area from prehistoric times to the present. It is very informative and packed with information that history buffs will love. It also explains the evolution of Las Vegas from a western town teetering on the edge of becoming a ghost town to the boom that started with the building of the Hoover (Boulder) Dam and continues today. This book is very academic in nature, so you have to love history to like this book. Overall a very interesting book.