I got the paperback version which is pretty small (8"x7") but its a fun read quick read. The writer comes off as a shill at times, but I gu...moreI got the paperback version which is pretty small (8"x7") but its a fun read quick read. The writer comes off as a shill at times, but I guess that's in part because the publisher wants to make a series of these books and it would be more attractive to other cities to help them out if they saw positive things written in the book. With Vegas its hard to keep up with things, but it seems that they did a very good job keeping up with the latest news in 2007.
But in the end its all about the pictures. And because of the before and after photos nature of the book I think it must be one of the better pictorial overviews of the city. Things have changed so much so quickly at times, its useful to have a visual reference that tie all the different pieces together.(less)
Its an interesting picture into how a less flashy corporate casino operation makes it work. In a world of outsized personalities, the book gives an i...moreIts an interesting picture into how a less flashy corporate casino operation makes it work. In a world of outsized personalities, the book gives an interesting view of how a casino keeps a loyal following. Written in 2003 its a bit dated, but the ideas are still interesting. The writing itself is not the greatest, but its good enough to get the point across and given the nature of the book its understandable that the author views his subject very favorably so yo have to take it for what its worth.....even so I think its worth a skim/read if you're interested in this business.(less)
Cute book, nice ideas and I suspect I was underwhelmed primarily due to the overhype. So basically its most likely better than I feel it is, but not ...moreCute book, nice ideas and I suspect I was underwhelmed primarily due to the overhype. So basically its most likely better than I feel it is, but not as good as others are saying it is. Its very simple, but I won't say simplistic.(less)
An interesting series of essays about art, profit, non profit and the interrelationships of them both. Not a survey or history book per se, but a ver...moreAn interesting series of essays about art, profit, non profit and the interrelationships of them both. Not a survey or history book per se, but a very readable and interesting overview of how all that collides in Las Vegas and a great introduction to the city.(less)
Entertaining book about one guys obsession and quest to become a top scrabble player. I think the combination of the quest and the wierd folks he mee...moreEntertaining book about one guys obsession and quest to become a top scrabble player. I think the combination of the quest and the wierd folks he meets along the way are what makes the book so entertaining. Because I can't stand playing the scrabble and I play many different games instead of becoming expert in a single game, I find it a very interesting peek into my favorite hobby. (less)
An absolutely great overview of cardgames. Even though it is focused primarily on Western games, it does touch on games in asia when they cross paths...moreAn absolutely great overview of cardgames. Even though it is focused primarily on Western games, it does touch on games in asia when they cross paths withEuropean games. Its ordered by the types of games (trick taking, rummy, etc.) and even though it is not a rules book it does include the necessary rules to make the reading understandable even if you do not know the games. But in the end the book is all about how the games came to be and the contexts in which they arose. Extremely interesting and entertaining reading for people into cardgames.(less)
Very interesting series of (mainly newspaper) articles about Vegas. He clearly embraces the city as his own and this acceptance of Vegas gives him a ...moreVery interesting series of (mainly newspaper) articles about Vegas. He clearly embraces the city as his own and this acceptance of Vegas gives him a powerful platform to talk about the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that confront the city. The one longer article, about ecotourism, is a great contemplation on the nature of tourism, especially in contrast to the non-ecotourism of his home city.
Maybe it will become dated in a few more years, but at 5 years, its still a great book. Well as great as an outsider to Vegas can proclaim it...(less)
Intense maelstorm of action...one heck of a joy ride even if it does fray a little at the end (as does many novels with this much activity). Well wor...moreIntense maelstorm of action...one heck of a joy ride even if it does fray a little at the end (as does many novels with this much activity). Well worth a read, I burned through it in a day.(less)
As you may have noticed, I am currently on a Las Vegas reading kick. This book is nothing special except that it focuses its energy on the the suburb...moreAs you may have noticed, I am currently on a Las Vegas reading kick. This book is nothing special except that it focuses its energy on the the suburbs surrounding Las Vegas. Its just a historical survey of where things are at with a healthy bit of LV boosterism which is to be expected from a book of this type. There isn't much analysis but its a good overview.
My only true gripe is that it does not include a map. This is a huge pet peeve -- why do authors who write about a specific city not insist on putting a map in the book, it seriously affects the geographic comprehension that they are trying to convey.
Another interesting note is that this book was written in the boom years in the early 2000's. As such it has a certain optimism that is cute, but we do know that a real estate crash did happen and it would be interesting to see his thoughts on it. Even though all books of this type get dated, it is interesting how LV books get dated so quickly.(less)
I wish the pictures were better and bigger, but Alan Hess is one of my prefered architecture writers at the moment due to his interests in the west, e...moreI wish the pictures were better and bigger, but Alan Hess is one of my prefered architecture writers at the moment due to his interests in the west, everyday modernism and openness to vernacular expression. Since the book was written in 1992 it is definitely a bit dated, but even that is kind of interesting to compare to the Vegas of today (it ends with the Mirage and the Excalibur).
Its a good survey of the rise of Vegas from an architectural perspective and like I said I wish it had bigger pictures...and also some pictures unfortunately had some tinting on it to add to the "excitement" which was a bad graphic design move..... Definitely worth the read for someone interested in the architectural history of the city and I think it is not bad as a start for my current Vegas reading kick..(less)
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