The book written to show prejudice and a white wash of Nevada's casino industry instead showed the lack of research of the authors. The question asked apparently is should Frank Rosenthal or Carl Thomas be in the "Black Book"? My answer is why are so few others included. A review of those included in the "Black Book" show an unusually high number of convicted skimmers and bookmakers. Wouldn't these be the people most likly to cause problems within the casino industry. As for the case of poor Frank Masterana-he ran the largest bookmaking operation in the Dominican Republic until he was closed down and then moved to Latin America where he continues to operate an illegal establishment. I agree that there is a high number of Italian-Americans in the "Black Book" but most bookmaking throughout the US is controlled by those of Italian desent so of course they would represent a high number of gaming offenses and the related extortion and loan-sharking.

When I first purchased the book, it was only because it dealt with the mob and Las Vegas. Once I began to read the book, it really made me think and the really great part of the book is that it examines each person and the reasons that they were included in the black book. If you like the mafia and you love Vegas, then you ought to read this one.

(The numerical rating above is a default setting within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)

The authors, criminal justice professors at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, argue that the "Black Book", (the list of persons excluded from participation in legal gambling), is maintained by the State of Nevada for symbolic purposes, to assert an image of control and propriety.

The Black Book is further tainted by its focus on stereotypical ethnic types, largely Italian Americans, to the exclusion of others, like the Mormans, who actually wield great power in Nevada gaming but suffer no opprobrium as a result.

Interesting reading.

This book is at its best when focusing on the less recent past in it's stories of Benny Binion, Howard Hughes, Jay Sarno, Sam Boyd and the like ... which are all excellent. I found the Kirk Kerkorian and Steve Winn ones a bit lacking, mostly because their stories aren't really over yet.

The last two chapters, not bios, but concept pieces , "How Popular Literature Has Treated Las Vegas" and "The Adult Playground Becomes a Heaven for Families" .. are pretty much a waste since Vegas has now focusing on going back to its "Adult" roots ..and the read no longer makes sense.

However, it you want to get some great and entertaining stories of the "good old days" .. and even a little before the "good old days", the first two-thirds of this book is certainly worth the asking price.

These are great tales of Las Vegas, but the writing drags. The research is clearly of the just-believe-what-someone-told-me school. There's still a great book to be written about the builders of the Strip and Glitter Gultch. This book is not the one.

I recently visited Las Vegas for the first time and wasmesmerized by what I saw. Every casino appeared to have a story behindit, and upon my return home, I wanted to know those stories.

The Players is a terrific read. The chapters give just ther right information on each topic to develop a working contextual knowledge of Vegas History. I was particularly fascinated by information on the Glitter Gulch rebels like Boyd and Binion. With the development of the Fremont Street experience, Downtown Vegas is a formidable tourist destination once again.

Overall, a great book. Don't let the fact that is published by a university press scare you. The chapters are short and clearly written. The casino business jargon is kept to a minimum, or when it is used, it is explained well. This book deserves more of an audience.

For interesting insight into this book, look up the case Vitale v. Commissioner, 77 T.C.M. (CCH) 1869 (1999).

I enjoyed the sexy action, the humor, in this fun filled novel. No fake-n-phony TV-style prostitutes here. Vitale has captured the atmosphere to a T! The political correctness [read that: narrow minded] crowd might find offense [they always do]; but normal folk will appreciate it. The author knows and obviously values women.

"Searchlight, Nevada" illuminates the insider's world of Nevada's legalized brothels. Written with warmth and humor, the book jumps right in to the often complex and twisted lives of the women who work the sex trade and the men who visit---and often love--them. It shows that wherever women and men are thrown together, love will thrive even under corrosive conditions. The author says his story was carefully researched, and this is very obviously true. I highly recommend this compelling and wonderful book.

"Sierra Nevada Byways" is the 3rd book by Tony Heugel that I've purchased since acquiring a Subaru Forester (not a heavy duty off-road monster, but more than capable of many pavement-free adventures). This is a great series!

Content (4 stars): Excellent for beginners like me. I've been on one of these trips already (Jawbone to Lake Isabella), and found the directions to be accurate and concise (so the navigator has time to enjoy the scenery!). A majority of the tours in this book are rated "Easy", making this a good choice for the first-time off-roader. I also appreciate that each tour is captured in two pages: one page of text (rating, directions, local points of interest) next to the map on the facing page. Sometimes I wish there was a little more information (landmarks, more detail on map), but there's usually enough to get you through.

Format (2 stars): Previous releases by Tony Heugel were spiral-bound, with an extra flap to hold your place. Those features are sorely missed in this paperback version. I think I'd rather have taken my chances with the older easier-to-use but not up-to-date release of this book. Doesn't look like much of the content has changed significantly, anyway. The older versions had color on the maps, too, making them easier to read.

Overall: Flipping through this book makes me want to hit the road on another adventure! Probably not the best choice for the hard-core 4-wheeler, but an excellent book for the mild-mannered yet adventurous sort who'd like to get away for a while.

I live in the area and I didn't even know these roads existed nearby. I gave it for stars as I have already broken the book's spine. Whish they had not changed it from spiral bound.

As an owner who actually goes off-highway, I often get asked by people at work who've bought a shiny new Jeep or 4Runner, where they can go exploring. And I always recommend this series of books. The Sierra have hundreds (thousands?) of miles of legal dirtroads and off-highway routes, and this book highlights about 50 of them, from North of Tahoe to near Death Valley. Each route has a detailed description and map. The routes range from easy drives to more challenging routes, but author Huegel assures us that all are feasible in almost any stock SUV without requiring special equipment or skills. The emphasis is on the scenery, the natural and human history, and family enjoyment, not crawling over rocks or slogging through mud bogs.

In addition to route descriptions, there's a good introduction to off-highway driving techniques and trip planning. Photos are adequate, providing a flavor of many of the trips.

If you have the previous edition, you'll miss the spiral binding but appreciate almost 20 new routes. By the way, I'd recommend this book to dual-sport motorcyclists and even mountain bikers.

this book made me almost fall out of my chair laughing. i would have gave it 5 stars but it didn't have much substance. but it was hilarious.

this book is very hilarious, many teenagers would enjoy reading it, the common sense of the book is that Ivan Zellner is forced to move to Nevada because of his dad's job.. it continues with his friends and how they get together. Its a great book i would rate it as a 5 star but it doesnt make sense in some places.

This book is about incorparating, and only at its very end it becomes about incorporating in Nevada. If you need to know about the many kinds of corporations available or how to raise money for you company,go ahead and buy it. But remember you are going to find an entire chapter on general tax strategies and few lines about Nevada tax information, ending with:"if you require further information, please contact the Department of Taxation at (702) 687-4820". I hope that having the number already here may save you the cost of this book....

Wow what a book, it is very comprehensive on the really needed subjects. The beginning of the book describes the different types of corporations and what applications they fit best. I know I want to incorporate but was not sure what type I wanted. After reading the first chapter I had a clear course of action. There are some very usefull forms well; writting the articles of incorporation, bylaws, resolutions, minutes for the first meeting, etc. It also has some great contact information as well. Over all the book is well written, easy to read, and very clarifying. I would definetly recommend this book or any of the others in this series just based on my experiance with this one.

The book gives a good overview of the areas with many addresses. Anyhow I found it a bit too black and white. It gives useful maps, but no coloured pictures from the areas, which would make it a bit more pleasant to read.

I highly recommend this guide to anyone who will be traveling in the Northeast as well as Canada. This guide gives you everything from upcoming events for the year to where to stay & eat. The maps are easy to read and follow. I have been a reader of the Mobil Guide for many years and it is continuing to give the most accurate, up-to-date travel information. This is the MUST-HAVE for the Northeast traveler.

I saw this book in the bargain bin at a local used book store for a quarter and I said "what the heck". I think I got a pretty good deal for 25 cents. The book focuses on the main character named Meade Slaugheter and his rise in the world of the Nevada gambling scene. I found the story line to be fairly interesting with enough twists and turns to warrant reading on. Having no real knowlege of the gambling world helped me keep focused on the story and characters rather than on looking for exciting gambling stories and situations. The only thing I really had to complain about was trying to keep track of all of the different names and places that were thrown around to explain parts of the storyline. If you are looking for a decent book about the history of gambling and hotels in Nevada that focuses more on the behind the scenes financial aspects then give this book a read. However if you are looking for a book filled with fast paced casino action with stories of dealers, cheats, legendary games, and tricks of the trade, then I would focus my attention elsewhere.

Clint McCullough's "Nevada" is an amazing look at the rise of the state of Nevada as a gambling powerhouse through the fictional accounts of a strong-willed entrepreneur Meade Slaughter as he works his way up from carnival barker to owner of a major casino. Historical references to actual people and real events make this book an exciting read. Caution: Strong sexual content, exploration of drug abuse and some violence but all are relevant to the plot of the story. Excellent story, well worth reading.

This isn't a bad book, but the information is very broad, with not as many specifics as one might believe - or want. For exapmle, the book does not contain directions on how to obtain a work card to get a job in casinos, or what a work card is. Other info has nothing to do with Nevada but is still useful, like how to write a cover letter. The best info is the geographic info and the descriptions of the towns and real estate. The book's shortcomings deal with jobs and money issues (save real estate)Also, the book's writing style is very informal, to the point of dumbing down the material. Still, it's a pretty good place to start, but you'll want more specific info later.

This book is very insightful for those who wonder what Nevada has to offer other than tourism and casinos. A must read if you are thinking about moving to this state!

When I "called up" more info on the above titled book by Jim Creiner, I noticed you have connected it with a review for a lake in Navada (Pyramid?) -- they aren't the same!

Good book that covers all the basics. I actually fished this lake while reading the book - in about 40 hours of fishing I caught (and released) over 100 beautiful Lahontan cutts that averaged apx 18" with the big one reaching 27". This place is the "real deal" and this book will prove very useful in navigating the fishing spots and gearing up to catch the fish. My only beef with the book is it should show a color picture of this very unique trout. Dan

Pyramid Lake, Nevada is a world-class, trophy quality, Lahontan cutthroat trout fishery. Terry Barron's No Nonsense Guide To Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake is the complete and authoritative guide providing the angler with all the essential fly fishing information, history, and background needed to successfully fly fish this outstanding fishery. Edited and with a foreword by Jeff Cavender, this "user friendly" angler's guide covers everything from baitfish and flies to the best times to fish, to accommodations and how to get there. If you are planning to fish Pyramid Lake, begin with a thorough reading of Terry Barron's No Nonsense Guide To Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake.