Chronicles of Old Las Vegas: Exposing Sin City's High-Stakes History

by James Roman

Overview

Discover one of America’s most fascinating cities through 30 dramatic true stories spanning Las Vegas’s 150-year history. James Roman takes readers on a tour through the glamorous and sometimes sordid history of Las Vegas and explains how a railroad town transformed itself into “the Entertainment Capital of the World.” Essays explore the major historic events from the founding of Sin City and  the building of the Hoover Dam to the rise of the Rat Pack at the Sands and the establishment of the Mafia-controlled casinos. Also included are intriguing tales of Vegas celebrities from Frank Sinatra and Liberace to Siegfried and Roy, as well as numerous historical photos and full-color maps.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781938450037
Publisher:	Museyon
Publication date:	10/01/2011
Series:	Chronicles Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	44 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

James Roman is the author of Chronicles of Old Los Angeles and Chronicles of Old New York and served as editorial contributor to New York Living magazine for six years. He contributes regularly to publications that document emerging technology, and he appeared on the HBO television series Six Feet Under. He lives in Los Angeles.

Editorial Reviews

Wise guys, atomic bombs, white tigers, the Rat Pack, Elvis, and MIT have all been a part of Las Vegas at one time or another. Roman (Chronicles of Old New York) provides a fascinating look at the history and characters that have made Las Vegas into the city we know today. This concise, nonscholarly read will appeal to individuals interested in the city, its history, and icons, but even readers not particularly attracted to Vegas will find this story compelling. The text is enhanced by maps providing visual historical information of the development of the city, from the segregated Westside district to the brothels to the demolition of iconic casinos. Additionally, numerous photographs of celebrities, gangsters, and other famous faces who helped shape the city are included. Some museum information is provided.
Verdict There are many books on Las Vegas and its past (e.g., Geoff Schumacher’s Sun, Sin & Suburbia and Paul W. Papa’s It Happened in Las Vegas), and this book is a good addition for its brevity and colorful text and photos. Well-researched, enjoyable, and concise—a great read for the flight to Vegas.—Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ. Lib., Fort Collins

From the Publisher