Las Vegas: An Unconventional History

Written in conjunction with the PBS American Experience series and coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city, Las Vegas: An Unconventional History documents the often surprising and endlessly entertaining history of Americas most outrageous playground. The story ranges from the Mormon missionaries who came to the area for the natural springs, to the shady, mob-connected gamblers and cardsharps who built and ruled the city, from the eccentric and visionary millionaires who bought up casinos like penny candy, to the visitors who have flocked to this desert mecca for more than a century.

Accompanying the text are essays by four of todays most prominent writers: Dave Hickeys ruminations on Vegass unique brand of freedom and democracy, Marc Coopers reminiscence of a wild night playing blackjack at the Stardustwith his mother, Max Rudins meditations on the roots of Rat Pack cool, and Jim McManuss musings on the art and little-known history of poker.

With lavish illustrations and lively prose, Las Vegas: An Unconventional History is as surprising as an inside straight and as satisfying as hitting 7 or 11 on your come-out roll.