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Neon Metropolis: How Las Vegas Started the Twenty-First Century

In this thoughtful study, Hal Rothman (history, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas) provides a detailed history of a uniquely American city. The subject of urban planning and design is enriched by Rothman’s focus on the social history of the city, including its architecture, economics, government, labor issues, transportation, environmental policy, and immigration situation. Rothman argues that Las Vegas survives by responding to whatever source of prosperity is available, whether it is the U.S. military or the gaming industry. In Las Vegas’s malleability, he sees the future of all U.S. cities, along with attendant issues of social isolation and environmental abuse. His empathetic exploration of working-class Latino lives is especially rewarding. Recommended for academic and public library collections emphasizing urban studies, American history, and the Latino experience.