Neon Nevada: Updated & Expanded Edition

(Hardback)

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Description

Nevadas iconic art form comes to life.

Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer take readers on a journey, not only along the Las Vegas Strip, but down quiet, two-lane rural roads punctuated by neon signsthose glistening beacons that represent commerce in thevast Great Basin. The photographers stunning work captures the argon violets, krypton purples, helium golds, and xenon blues that glow amidthe nighttime desert sky.

Readers will discover that neon is not just a medium for casino advertising. The colorful images of cowboys and cowgirls, animals, desert landscapes, and a myriad of othercreative designs all illuminate Americana. The neon signhelps define Nevada and its businesses, from bars and casinos to thestores, restaurants, motels, and theaters that line the streets of the Silver States cities and towns, and those rural areas that are barely a blip on the map. With a compelling blend of striking full-color photographs and fascinating historical commentary, this book celebrates an art form that wholly embraces the states unique personality.

First published in 1994, this newly updated and expanded edition ofNeon Nevadaexplores the resurgence of this art form during the last decade, which has resulted in an appreciation of Nevada neon that will never fade. This survey of neoncasts the new edition as a defining source for neon scholars and attracts neon aficionados to what can only be defined as a medium as distinctive and interesting as Nevada itself.

Reviews

This is not merely a coffee table book. It's an immersive journey through time, a celebration of art, culture, and nostalgia. Whether you're a history buff, an admirer of stunning photography, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a bygone era, this book is a must-have. It provides a rare glimpse into a captivating part of Nevada's history, preserving the legacy of these iconic neon signs for generations to come.
Nick Vedros, president, LUMI Neon Museum

The illuminating pages ofNeonNevadaare back in print! Our well-traveled, dog-eared copy went with us on our first epicneonroad trip and will sit side-by-side on the shelf with this beautiful new edition. Two copies recommended: one for yourneonlibrary, and one for your nextNevadaroad trip.
Randall Ann Homan and Al Barna,coauthors ofSavingNeonandSan FranciscoNeon: Survivors and Lost Icons

NeonNevadacaptures the energy and vitality ofneonone of the most effective forms of advertising. The book is a testament to the largely unknown sign designers and tube benders who have made and continue to makeNevadas magnificent commercial landscape all aglitter!
Alan Goldman, Blue Plate Productions, producer ofGlowing in the Dark

"Neon Nevadahits the jackpot, taking readers on a hellbent ride. Through their vivid images and narratives, the authors bring the beauty and stories behind this fascinating slice of Americana to life."
Douglas Towne, editor,Society for Commercial Archeology

Author Bio

Sheila Swanlearned photography as an assistant in her fathers portrait studio. She joined the Nevada Craft Guild shortly after it was founded and began her study of Nevadas relationship with neon.

Peter Lauferhas authored or edited more than two dozen books, including two with Sheila Swan. He is a journalism professor at the University of Oregon. Laufer was founding editor of Nevadas Gold Hill Daily News.