Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century (NV) (Making of America) [Paperback]

Thomas "Taj" Ainlay Jr. (Author), Judy Dixon Gabaldon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 10, 2003

Whether known as "The Entertainment Capital of the World" or Sin City, Glitter Gulch or even "Lost Wages" Nevada, the dazzling city of Las Vegas has undergone incredible transformation-from ancient watering hole to Mormon fort, from whistle stop to mob-run profit center-to 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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In this entertaining and insightful narrative, authors Thomas "Taj" Ainlay Jr. and Judy Dixon Gabaldon trace the growth of this fascinating city from its Native American past up to the preparations for its centennial anniversary. Illustrated with striking photographs of important people, places, and events, this new volume is a fitting testament to 100 unparalleled years of change in "The Most Exciting City on Earth."

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (November 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738524166
• ISBN-13: 978-0738524160
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,689,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Primer for Real History of Las Vegas, December 10, 2003

By 

Scott Mittelsteadt (Las Vegas, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century (NV) (Making of America) (Paperback)

This book packs a lot of information in its short 160-some pages. It is well researched and presents the history of Las Vegas in human terms, not just those related to the gaming industry, entertainment or the mob.

Las Vegas has a unique and incredibly interesting history, and to tell it all would take a few volumes and a number of years to produce. This book, however, is a great primer for those who have heard the stories but want to know more of the truth and for those who, like myself, are fascinated by the genesis of the worlds amazing cities. Love it or leave it, Las Vegas is definitely one the more amazing cities on this continent or any other.

I would have personally liked more depth into some of the major characters of Vegas' history, but like I said the book would have to be much much bigger to make that happen. It also tends to read a bit much like a travel guide near the end. As resident of this city, I can forgive the authors some as I find myself becoming a travel agent whenever I try to explain this city to anyone who doesn't live here.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Entertaining!, July 4, 2004

By 

Phlorene Hc Pheigh (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century (NV) (Making of America) (Paperback)

This is a truly wonderful book for anyone who has visited Las Vegas, or is, as I am, a native. Having lived here all my life, I have heard many of the names mentioned here, but few of the details. Once I started this book, I could not put it down! Very entertaining reading! I gave a copy of the book to my aunt, Rheco, a resident of Las Vegas for more than 60 years, having moved here during the start of Hoover Dam. She also found it very interestting and great fun to read. Taj and Judy left no detail out and really did their homework. This is the most interesting and entertainment book you could ever read on the "City That Never Sleeps". Congratulations, Taj & Judy: Well done!!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Compact History of Las Vegas, April 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century (NV) (Making of America) (Paperback)

What is most impressive about this short (160-page) book is how much detail it includes. Not only do you get the usual railroad stop to casino city history, you also gain insight into the ethnic diversity of Las Vegas. It covers the Paiutes and early Hispanics and traces their stories right through the 20th century. The contributions of Mormons, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, the perspectives of pioneer women as well as men, the influence of the military...it's all here. And of course there are brief accounts of all the big names that put the "sin" in Sin City: Bugsy, Elvis, Sinatra, Hughes. This book is quite an accomplishment, and it's just in time for the Centennial celebrations coming up in May 2005.