10 Books about Las Vegas–from the Mob to the Neon Lights
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Whether you’re a seasoned gambler, a fan of opulent performances, or a lover of rich history, Las Vegas has something to offer everyone. Among the vast treasures are books about Las Vegas, rich with insights and unique perspectives on this city of lights.
They allow us to unravel Sin City’s vibrant history, culture, and complex relationship with the world.
Delving Into Vegas: Why Should You Read Books about Las Vegas?
Reading about Las Vegas can offer a view beyond the sparkling neon lights. By plunging into these books, you can explore the intricate tapestry of stories that make up this iconic city. You’ll see the history, understand the glamor, and feel the energy of Las Vegas.
Must-Reads: The Top Books About Las Vegas
We’ve compiled a list of the most engrossing books about Las Vegas that capture the spirit of the city, from its awe-inspiring rise in the desert to its continued allure as a destination of dreams.
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History
by Michelle Ferrari and Stephen Ives
Discover the unconventional history of Las Vegas with this comprehensive and entertaining book. Learn about the unique and surprising background of the city that made it so famous.
From its modest beginnings as a railroad town to its current status as an international destination, you’ll be astounded by all the interesting stories, facts, and events that have shaped Las Vegas into what it is today. This book provides an engaging and well-researched look at how one small city has become one of the most iconic cities in the world.
This coffee table book has a variety of images that include vintage poolside photographs. One complete chapter covers the involvement of the Mob in Las Vegas. This history also includes information about the Rat Pack, marriage mills, and neon-suffused architecture.
When the Mob Ran Vegas: Stories of Money, Mayhem and Murder
by Steve Fischer
It details the explosive growth and eventual decline of Las Vegas through an inside look at the mob’s scheme to make money and gain control. It covers everything from crime bosses who used violence, bribery, and intimidation to get what they wanted, to how they created some of the first-ever casinos in Vegas.
This book is a riveting true-crime nonfiction look into the darker side of Las Vegas during its golden era, when the Mob ran the town. Experience a firsthand account of the mob’s rise to power in Las Vegas.
It details the explosive growth and eventual decline of Las Vegas through an inside look at the mob’s scheme to make money and gain control. It covers everything from crime bosses who used violence, bribery, and intimidation to get what they wanted, to how they created some of the first-ever casinos in Vegas.
Vegas in the 1950s and 60s was (and still is) the hottest spot in the Mojave Desert. This behind-the-scenes look at the Mob, celebrities and the people is an attention grabber.
The book includes stories about big names like Frank Sinatra, Harpo Marx, Sam Giancana, Meyer Lansky, Carolos Marcello, and Frank Costello.
Of Rats and Men: Oscar Goodman’s Life from Mob Mouthpiece to Mayor of Las Vegas
by John L. Smith
It provides a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of a man who changed the face of Las Vegas for decades to come.
With vivid detail, Of Rats and Men reveals how Goodman’s often controversial decisions turned Las Vegas into the city it is today. It also examines his personal struggles along the way, including dealing with mob controversies, racism, and political scandals.
The illustrious Mayor Oscar Goodman spent over three decades defending some of the most notorious crime figures in Las Vegas.
He defended Anthony Spilotro, Meyer Lansky, and Frank Rosenthal, to mention just a few. This book describes how Goodman rose from a modest childhood in Philadelphia to become the “happiest mayor in America.”
The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America
by Sally Denton and Roger Moris
Comprehensive insight into Las Vegas – From its origins as a small desert outpost to its rise as a world-renowned entertainment capital, The Money and the Power provides readers with an in-depth look at how Las Vegas has shaped our nation’s identity.
American history would not be complete without including the incidents and individuals involved in the history of Las Vegas. The power of Vegas cannot be overestimated.
Las Vegas thriving economy was under the control of a handful of influential and commanding men. This played a major role in the United States’ economy and politics.
This ambitious and jarring investigative history explores the little-known history of Las Vegas and how the city grew with notorious criminals and eccentrics into an empire of gambling and tourism. Organized crime and corrupted police all played a central role to Las Vegas’ economic boom.
For more information on this book or to purchase click here: The Money and the Power: The Making of Las Vegas and Its Hold on America
The Grit Beneath the Glitter
by Hal Rothman and Mike Davis
Readers will be transported to the gritty underbelly of the glitzy city, and gain an understanding of its hidden depths. The Grit Beneath the Glitter offers an immersive look into the city, through touching stories and intimate conversations with locals who have experienced it all.
Taking readers into a look of Las Vegas from the inside out this book reflects on how Vegas became one of the most celebrated cities in the world. Seeing Vegas as the locals do, where they live, work, attend school it separates the fantasy and glitter from everyday real life.
Long-time citizens and professionals talk about the transformation of Vegas. You can get a sneak peak at the world that employees experience when they enter casinos–from the parking lot to the glitter of the casinos themselves.
Bonus Books About Las Vegas!
![The Mob: From Hollywood to Vegas [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kXk+h8i8L.jpg)
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