History, books and films
Vegas history and legends, and the books, films and records about the city.
Photo Essay: Neon Museum Boneyard
Las Vegas is constantly in a state of flux. It seems like old hotels are demolished and new ones are built on a fairly consistent basis, but there is still a place to relish the days of neon.
Las Vegas Neon Museum Boneyard
At first glance, the piles of discarded signage appear to be heaps of scrap metal and broken light bulbs, but look beyond the "trash" and you'll find a treasure trove of Las Vegas history at the Neon…
Summer Concerts at Station Casinos
Las Vegas Summers are well known to offer days of endlessly blazing, deep-tan inducing, consistent sunshine, but keep in mind that the range of entertainment possibilities isn’t limited simply to…
Spring Vacation in Las Vegas
Cliché or not, all of us couldn’t wait any longer to “spring back to life”! The winter is finally over and our itchy travel feet want to take us to great places in search of new experiences.
Vegas Photo of the Week: Transformers Invade Luxor
To kick off this new feature, I present to you the Luxor serving as a large billboard to advertise the upcoming release of the new Transformers movie, Revenge of the Fallen .
Race to Witch Mountain Features Las Vegas
When I was a kid, two of my favorite movies were Escape To Witch Mountain and Return To Witch Mountain.
CineVegas Celebrates Its Tenth Anniversary
If the Palms resort resembles Hollywood more than normal for the next ten days, it's because the CineVegas Film Festival begins tonight.
Planet Hollywood to Host 21 Red Carpet Premiere Party
Looking for Hollywood glamour in Vegas? Then mark your calendars for March 12, which is when Planet Hollywood will host the star-studded red carpet premiere party for the movie 21 .
Robert Goulet To Be Honored By Las Vegas Tomorrow
Singer Robert Goulet will be honored by the city he lived in tomorrow, Friday, November 9th, as casino and resort marquees around Las Vegas will flash his name in tribute.
Resident Evil Takes Over Planet Hollywood
If you've driven the Strip recently, you may have spotted the two 30-foot banners advertising the movie Resident Evil: Extinction .
AOL Vegas Lists Top 25 Vegas Songs
Fletch, blogging over at AOL Vegas, lists his picks for the "Top 25 Greatest Vegas Songs Ever" in his weekly post.
It's Time to Say Goodbye to The Frontier
Though this picture by RoyVegas says July 16, today is actually the last day the Frontier will be open. As of 12:01 tomorrow morning, the doors will be shut forever on this Vegas landmark.
Harrahs to Host Book Signing with Jackie Collins
Long-time best-selling novelist Jackie Collins will be making a rare appearance at Harrahs on June 23 to support her newest book, "Drop Dead Beautiful." Collins' latest work is her 25th novel, and…
CineVegas Brings Hollywood to Las Vegas
There's nothing like a film festival to bring in celebrities and CineVegas is definitely one of the world's best.
Party With the Stars of Ocean's 13 at CineVegas 2007
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that CineVegas had scored a coup by getting to host the Vegas premiere of the new film Ocean's 13 as the opening film of the upcoming festival.
Ocean's 13 Cast to Open CineVegas 2007
Though George Clooney is once again bypassing Vegas to hold the world premiere of his "Oceans" movies in another city (Cannes, this time).
Stardust Goes Down In a Big Fireworks Display
At 2:34am this morning, another part of Vegas history bit the dust as the legendary Stardust Hotel and Casino was brought down in a mass of fireworks, explosions and dust clouds.
New Vegas-centric Trailer for Resident Evil 3 Online
Ever wonder what a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas would look like? Then you'll want to check out the new movie trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil: Extinction .
Las Vegas Conventions
Las Vegas is well on its way to becoming the 'convention capital of the world', hosting thousands of convention-goers each year.
Superman Returns To Las Vegas
The movie Superman Returns is expected to be one of the summer's biggest blockbusters...so of course Vegas isn't missing an opportunity to throw a party or two.
Park Premiere Official After Party At Jet
Among the many films making their world premieres at this year's CineVegas film festival is the indie comedy Park , starring Billy Baldwin, Ricki Lake and Cheri Oteri.
Sixth Annual CineVegas Film Festival Boasts World Premieres and Stars Galore
The self-proclaimed "World's Most Dangerous Film Festival" opens its sixth edition this weekend and is definitely shaping up to be a world-class event.
Mary Higgins Clark to Sign at The Reading Room
In her more than thirty year career, author Mary Higgins Clark has sold over 80 million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her twenty-four novels, Where Are the Children?
We All Live in Vegas
We All Live In Vegas By François Paolini French photojournalist François Paolini first saw Las Vegas in 1999, snapped a few photos and knew he would return again, to try and capture more of dazzle…
Las Vegas: A Pictorial Celebration
Las Vegas: A Pictorial Celebration By Michael S. Green This 160-page photographic masterpiece is a new release due out this week.
Sharks in the Desert
Sharks in the Desert: The Founding Fathers and Current Kings of Las Vegas by John L.
Favorite Dog Hikes in and Around Las Vegas
Favorite Dog Hikes in and Around Las Vegas By Wynne Benti and Megan Lawlor If you decide to bring Fido along on your next Vegas vacation, be sure to check out this book, written by two hiking…
Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Las Vegas
Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Las Vegas By Mary Herczog The 4th edition of this "no-smoke-and-mirrors destination guide" is not due to hit shelves until early April, but here's an early heads-up.
Las Vegas: Make Your Dreams Come True
"I am off to open the new production of Hairspray in Las Vegas, and I have no idea what to expect.
777 Cheap Eats in Las Vegas
777 Cheap Eats in Las Vegas By Wendy Y. Tucker Vegas is a city of extremes when it comes to food: Visitors can dine at the world's over-the-top expensive restaurants or chow down at one of Sin City's…
Rough Guide to Poker
The Rough Guide to Poker By Iain Fletcher Okay, so this book's not just about Vegas. But we all know that Sin City is THE place for poker these days, right?
Las Vegas Dreams
Author Jim Bickford interviewed 70 local personalities for his recently released new book, Las Vegas Dreams , which features profiles of fascinating Las Vegas folk like Clint Holmes, Mayor Oscar…
Skin City: Behind the Scenes of the Las Vegas Sex Industry
Skin City: Behind the Scenes of the Las Vegas Sex Industry by Jack Sheehan Since the Adult Entertainment Expo is taking place in Vegas right now, it seems an appropriate time to mention this book…
Avant-Guide: Las Vegas
Avant-Guide Las Vegas by Dan Levine The sleek glossy is one of thirteen titles in Avant-Guide's new series of hip travel books.
Lonely Planet: Las Vegas
Las Vegas by Sara Benson A new year and a new guidebook! We've mentioned Lonley Planet's Best of Las Vegas book already, but now the latest version of their expanded guide to Vegas is about to hit…
Neon Nuptials
Neon Nuptials: The Complete Guide to Las Vegas Weddings By Ken Van Vechten Each year more than 120,000 couples head to Sin City to tie the knot, most choosing to hold their ceremony at one of over 50…
Nevada Yesterdays
Nevada Yesterdays: Short Looks at Las Vegas History By Frank Wright Author and historian Frank Wright put his heart and soul into this Las Vegas history book before his death in 2003.
Las Vegas Centennial Time Capsule
The Las Vegas Centennial Time Capsule will be lowered into the ground this Thursday, December 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Centennial Plaza on 4th Street near Lewis Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas.
Moon Handbooks: Las Vegas
Moon Handbooks: Las Vegas by Rick Garman A brand new guidebook for Las Vegas will hit shelves later this month.
Andreas Schmidt: Las Vegas
Andreas Schmidt: Las Vegas by Andreas Schmidt and Christoph Ribbat German-born photographer Andreas Schmidt has created a dazzling look at Las Vegas through his camera lens.
A Marmac Guide to Las Vegas
A Marmac Guide to Las Vegas Edited by Adrienne Petterson The latest Marmac Guide from Pelican Publishers is a guide to Vegas for both travelers and new residents.
Fodor's Las Vegas 2006
Fodor's 2006 Edited by Sarah Sper Fodor's latest Gold Guide to Las Vegas hit bookstores last month, just in time to make trip planning for the holidays and into the new year that much easier.
The Las Vegas Little Black Book: A Guy's Guide
The Las Vegas Little Black Book: A Guy's Guide to the Perfect Vegas Weekend By David Demontmollin and Hiram Todd Norman We all know that Vegas is a hot spot for bachelor parties or groups of guys…
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History By Michelle Ferrari and Stephen Ives As part of its weekly American Experience program, PBS recently ran an excellent two-part series on Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Babylon: True Tales of Glitter, Glamour, and Greed
Las Vegas Babylon : True Tales of Glitter, Glamour, and Greed By Jeff Burbank Vegas journalist and author Jeff Burbank digs deep into the dirty side of Vegas in the recently released Las Vegas…
Rough Guides: Las Vegas Directions
A unique new series from Rough Guides Travel features a version for Las Vegas that was published last month.
Busting Vegas
Busting Vegas : The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought the Casinos to Their Knees By Ben Mezrich As a follow-up to his bestseller Bringing Down the House , author Ben Mezrich has just released his latest book…
Frommer's Las Vegas 2006
Frommer's Las Vegas 2006 By Mary Herczog Frommer's annual update to its comprehensive Las Vegas guide was released this month.
In the Desert of Desire
In the Desert of Desire: Las Vegas and the Culture of Spectacle by William L. Fox In this new release from the University of Nevada Press, William Fox examines Las Vegas’s casino entertainment…
Help Wanted
G'day! You've reached a section of Las Vegas Logue that is, sadly, empty. In time, however, it will be filled with all sorts of fantastic information, so if this particular subject is your bag,…
Las Vegas Book List
This is an alphabetical list of all the Las Vegas-related books we have listed in this category.
Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas By John O'Brien O'Brien's first book is what the hit movie starring Nicholas Cage was based on. It is a heart-wrenching love story of a prostitue and an alcoholic.
The Desert Rose : A Novel
The Desert Rose : A Novel by Larry McMurtry This is a bittersweet novel about Harmony, a lead showgirl dancer in a casino, and the story of hour her career fades in the Las Vegas desert.
Mystere: Live in Las Vegas
Now you can get the Live CD from the popular Vegas show that was honored eight times as "Best Production Show" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal .
The Rat Pack on Stage: Las Vegas/St. Louis
The Rat Pack on Stage: Las Vegas/St. Louis is an import! Two great discs of Dino, Frank, & Sammy - at The Sands Hotel, Las Vegas in 1963, & in St. Louis with The Count Basie band in 1965.
Elvis Presley: Live in Las Vegas Box Set
Elvis Presley: Live in Las Vegas Box Set 89 tracks of pure Elvis. Whether you're a lifelong fan of The King, or a youngin just catching up with his magic—this box set is a just have for any record…
From Las Vegas to London: Best of Tom Jones Live
From Las Vegas to London: Best of Tom Jones Live is an import! Brought to us by Universal/Spectrum, hear this Vegas legend sing such favorites as "Turn On Your Love Light," "Twist And Shout," "I…
1982—Wayne Newton Gets His Own Street
Wayne Newton, the man who has played more than 25,000 concerts in Las Vegas over the last 40 years, has always been big. Hence, his nickname, Mr. Las Vegas.
Noel Coward at Las Vegas
Noel who? Well, you might be a bit too young to have heard of this Vegas legend, but he has plenty of fans. This album is 12 tracks from a live Vegas show.
Mr Las Vegas
Wayne Newton IS Mr. Las Vegas. This new CD from Capitol brings us such favorites as "Danke Schoen," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Strangers In The Night," "I've Got The World On A String,"…
Elvis Preslesy: Live from Las Vegas
Fifteen tracks of LIVE music from the King. This is part of a series of Live records that Capitol records is releasing.
Dean Martin: Live From Las Vegas
Dean, baby! Straight from the Rat Pack. This live performance contains 17 tracks of unforgettable classics. Hear "Everybody Loves Somebody," "That's Amore," "Babyface," and more.
Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas: Music From...
Fear Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas: Music From... Music From The Motion Picture If you loved the movie, why not get the soundtrack so you can have your own Vegas adventure.
Frank Sinatra: Live From Las Vegas
Live Frank Sinatra: Live From Las Vegas is a real treat. For those who were not there for any of his shows, this is the next best thing.
A New Day...Live In Las Vegas
Celine Dion has been rocking the hearts out of Vegas with her "A New Day" performances at Caesars Palace.
Live From Las Vegas
Live From Las Vegas Capitol records brings you vintage Vegas straight from the stage.
Ultra Lounge: Vegas Baby
Ultra Lounge: Vegas Baby Here's an upbeat collection of Vegas tunes sure to liven up your next cocktail party.
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes, who had already conquered much of the US by the 1960's saw the promise and potential Vegas held, and for a period of time in the 1960's, actually tried to buy up the town.
Benny Binion
Benny Binion was a true vestage of the old West. Benny was a bootlegger turned numbers operator, and was not opposed to settling his differences with a gun.
Bugsy Siegel
Bugsy Siegel was the first to envision the Strip (and do something about it). Bugsy, inspired by the legal gambling in Nevada, went back East, and convinced his "friends" to finance his dream: A…
John C. Fremont
Literally the first settler in Las Vegas, John C. Fremont, and his party of about 30 expeditioners set up a camp near the Las Vegas Springs on May 13th, 1844.
Las Vegas Weddings: A Brief History, Celebrity Gossip, Everything Elvis...
If you're thinking about getting married in Las Vegas, read Las Vegas Weddings: A Brief History, Celebrity Gossip, Everything Elvis, and the Complete Chapel Guide, first.
Sarann Knight Preddy
Sarann Knight Preddy was the first black woman to receive a Nevada gaming license.
Skin City: Uncovering the Las Vegas Sex Industry
Skin City: Uncovering the Las Vegas Sex Industry was written Jack Sheehan, an award-winning author of several books who is a 30 year resident of the city we just can't stop talking about.
1969 — The International Hotel
1969 – This was the year that Kirk Kerkorian built the International Hotel. At the time, this was the largest hotel in the world.
Go — 1999
Directed by Doug Liman who also made Swingers, this is an edgy teenage comic misadventure. Don't get confused, it's not slapstick. Go is fast paced and not for prudes.
Las Vegas: The Best of Glitter City
Las Vegas: The Best of Glitter City I haven't read this, but 50 lists of Vegas Top Tens sounds like something I'd like to look at.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson, Terry Gilliam got high talent cast to represent one of this psychedelic classic. Johnny Depp stars as Raoul Duke/Hunter S.
The Underground Guide to Las Vegas
The Underground Guide to Las Vegas is not your average travel guidebook. Instead of speaking generalizing mainstream Vegas, Jarret Keene shares his insight on how to "avoid the Strip's cheesy…
Super Casino: Inside the "New" Las Vegas
Super Casino: Inside the "New" Las Vegas is a well written and engaging look at the tantalizing town that refuses to be held back.
Tony Cornero
Tony Cornero was a man truly in the mold of the early Las Vegas trailblazer. A hustler, and prohibition era bootlegger, Cornero was the first to dream of the super hotel, and indeed spent the last…
Con Air — 1997
Nicholas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malcovich star in this adventure thriller of a plane full of criminals. The convicts end up taking over the plane before crashing it into the Sands.
Zagat 2005 Las Vegas Restaurants
Zagat is a trusted name in dining, and Zagat 2005 Las Vegas Restaurants is a must have for culinary enthusiasts traveling to Sin City.
Las Vegas For Dummies
Las Vegas For Dummies is a great addition to Dummies collectors, as well as those that want a personal travel agent to help stream-line a first or fifth trip to Glitter Gulch.
Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide to Las Vegas
Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide to Las Vegas is essential for the Vegas Virgin. There's nothing like those who love Vegas telling you their favorite things to do.
Vegas Vacation — 1997
Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo star as Mr. and Mrs. Griswold. You know this crazy nuthouse of a family from Family Vacation.
Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century
Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century By Thomas Ainlay Jr. and Judy Dixon Gabaldon Before Glitter Gulch was the fastest growing urban community, she went through an amazing transformation from a…
Del Webb
Del Webb built a construction and housing empire from a company that was famously founded in 1928 with "A concrete mixer, 10 wheel barrows, 20 shovels, and 10 picks.
Las Vegas Implosions
Vegas has a long history of implosions, and they continue to garner interest and morbid enthusiasm. Here is a short list of some of the more noteable implosions in recent history.
A Short History of Las Vegas
A Short History Of Las Vegas: Second Edition By Barbara Land and Myrick Land with a Foreword by Guy Louis Rocha Barbara and Myrick Land deliver a side of Vegas beyond the mobsters, casinos, and…
Mars Attacks! — 1996
Martians come to wipe out planet earth, and the question is, will anyone survive? A long hotlist of Hollywood celebs are featured including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Danny DeVito,…
Tommy Hull
Tommy Hull was a dapper entrepreneur who had once walked 600 miles back home from Mexico by himself after going into business with the wrong guy (Pancho Villa), on a failed mining venture in Mexico.
Cult Vegas
Cult Vegas: The Weirdest! The Wildest! The Swingin'est Town on Earth By Mike Weatherford The author of this book is a reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal who came to town October 29, 1987 —…
Kirk Kerkorian
Kirk Kerkorian was one of the first of the modern pioneers in Las Vegas. Kerkorian built and opened the first of the mega hotels—the MGM Grand.
Leaving Las Vegas — 1995
Leaving Las Vegas stars Nicholas Cage and Elizabeth Shue. In a beautifully sad epic drama, Cage goes to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. Shue, a prostitute, falls in love with him.
Frommer's Portable Las Vegas for Non-Gamblers
Frommer's Portable Las Vegas for Non-Gamblers, 2nd Edition By Mary Herczog There aren't a lot of travel guides to Vegas that focus completely on the interests of those that have no interest in…
Steve Wynn
Long before founding the jewel of a Hotel that now bears his name on the corner of Twain, and the Strip, Steve Wynn has been in the upscale casino business.
Diamonds Are Forever — 1971
If you thought Sean Connery's last performance as 007 James Bond was over with You Only Live Twice , think again. He came back for an encore performance in Diamonds Are Forever.
The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2005
The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2005 By Bob Sehlinger This is the guidebook of choice for long-time Vegas veterans. If you think you know America's best adult playground, think again.
Viva Las Vegas — 1964
Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret starred in this hit movie about a guy named Lucky Jackson who goes to Vegas to drive in the Grand Prix.