From a distance, this tiny jewel box in the middle of the Nevada desert appears as a tight cluster of lights glowing softly in the darkness. But up close, Las Vegas is a throbbing pulse, a hotbed of excitement that over the years has evolved into a booming metropolis, filled with some of the world's best dining, shopping, and entertainment. Initially a one-horse outpost, Vegas has now become the ultimate dream destination, thanks in part to mobsters, moguls, and some of the greatest visionaries of moderns times. There's nothing like Las Vegas. People have made and lost fortunes here and unforgettable stars have paid their visit, including Frank Sinatra and his famous Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, and Howard Hughes. It has also been the spectacular set for cult films like Casino, Oceans Eleven, and Las Vegas Parano. In the Spirit of Las Vegas chronicles the rise of this magnificent desert oasis, where the line between what is real and what is imagined is often too fine to distinguish. Featuring a comprehensive guide in the back of the book that outlines the city's best hotels, stellar spas, and world-class restaurants, this book is both practical in format and a visual celebration of one of the world's most alluring cities. Here, fantasy is indeed attainable... if you're willing to take a gamble.