Las Vegas

Book excerpt: Fueled by the poker craze and hit TV shows, Las Vegas is hot, with more than 37 million visitors annually. But the city is more than just bright lights and blackjack, as Michael Green, professor and Editor-in-Chief of the Nevada Historical Society Quarterly proves. Follow the fascinating, sometimes scandalous stories behind the glittery fa�ade with splendid images that capture both the man-made glitz and nature's splendor. Experience the old-from the Mojave Desert to the downtown Paiute colony-that offers a refreshing change of pace from the central action. Go into the neighborhoods where locals live their everyday lives. And, of course, walk down every inch of the famous Strip: hotels and casinos; fun sites such as the Elvis-O-Rama Museum; and arcades, malls, bars, and landmarks.