Las Vegas History Books

Las Vegas has an really fascinating history. From tiny railroad town, not much happened in Las Vegas until after the 30's. Today, of course, Las Vegas is a bustling town that receives more than 40 million visitors a year. Anyone who would like to learn more about the unique history of Las Vegas should be able to find a book that meets their needs from the list below.

You can find books that cover Nevada history in General in the Nevada History Books section on this site.

All of these books are available through Amazon.Com.

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 America’s most outrageous playground.    More Info

Las Vegas : The Fabulous First Century : Whether known as ìThe Entertainment Capital of the Worldî or Sin City, Glitter Gulch or even ìLost Wagesî Nevada, the dazzling city of Las Vegas has undergone incredible transformationófrom ancient watering hole to Mormon fort, from whistle stop to mob-run profit centeróto become the fastest-growing urban community in the nation. Home to nearly 1.5 million residents, a melting pot of races and cultures, this great metropolis boasts a thrilling history of vices and virtues but, above all, a steadfast and uncompromising spirit.    More Info

Las Vegas : Then & Now : A photographic journey through the history of one of America's most distinctive towns, Las Vegas. Part of the highly successful "Then and Now" series, each spread shows an image of Las Vegas as it was, and how it is currently.    More Info

Las Vegas Babylon True Tales : Vegas-based reporter Burbank aims to cut through the hype that surrounds the country's top tourist Mecca and reveal-in addition to the usual tales of excess and self-destruction-the "seriously malfunctioning society beneath the 'It's Vegas, baby!' façade." Part gossip smorgasbord, part cautionary tale, the book speeds through the city's century-long history, from its mob-dominated early flourishing to the less murderous but still sleazy local politics scene.    More Info

Policing Las Vegas : Policing Las Vegas chronicles the evolution of law enforcement in Las Vegas and Clark County from the days of night watchmen and cops who carted drunks to jail on horseback to today’s acclaimed Metropolitan Police Department. It’s filled with stories about the colorful characters on both sides of the law, drawn from history, legend, and the personal accounts of many men and women who policed Las Vegas.    More Info

Sharks in the Desert : The complete saga of Las Vegas from its early roots with the mob to modern corporate times is presented in a lively history of the city's real rulers in SHARKS IN THE DESERT: THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND CURRENT KINGS OF LAS VEGAS. Many made their fortunes developing the casino business the city is most famous for today - but many myths have surrounded their activities - myths which columnist Smith dispels in an investigative history which tracked mobsters and their connections to the city's rich and monied.    More Info

Storming Caesars Palace : In Storming Caesars Palace, historian Annelise Orleck tells the compelling story of how a group of welfare mothers and their supporters built one of this country's most successful antipoverty programs.    More Info

The Fountains of Bellagio : The Fountains of Bellagio were designed to be superlative, and not just in size. The people creating them wanted to bring sophistication and stateliness to a place better known for glitz, to embody the full spectrum of culture, from Technicolor musicals to Italian opera.    More Info

The Man Who Invented Las Vegas : In 1946, two men battled for power in Las Vegas. Bugsy Siegel stole Billy Wilkerson's dream of a luxury hotel in the desert, and died in a hail of bullets. Although Billy lived on for many years, he never spoke of the man some believe was murdered for stealing his dream. Now, in this compelling First Edition, Billy's son finally uncovers the secrets behind the building of the Flamingo Hotel and the death of Bugsy Siegel.    More Info

When the Mob Ran Vegas : Vegas like you've never seen, tales you've never heard -- until now. Sizzing, behind-the-scenes stories about the men, the Mob, movie stars, and missing money that made '50s and '60s Vegas such a hot spot in the Nevada desert.    More Info

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