Something's glowing out in the desert night, but it isn't New Mexico, and these creatures aren't visitors from another planet. There is a pig with wings--who may well be fleeing the Nevada barbecue establishment he advertises--and a creature who looks something like Elmer Fudd with a lightning bolt for a body. But that's as close as we get to alien beings, unless you count the penguin in a ten-gallon hat and cowboy boots. These colorful images of cartoon cowboys, cowgirls, women bathing in martini glasses, and martinis sans women illuminate an aspect of Americana--the neon sign--that has been largely neglected. Well, Neon Nevadabrings all this and more truly alive. Focusing on Las Vegas--which has more than thirty million visitors annually--it is a compelling blend of full color photographs throughout and fun, lively historical text.

Peter Laufer, PhD, is the author of more than a dozen books, including his widely praised The Dangerous World of Butterflies (Lyons Press) and Wetback Nation: The Case for Opening the Mexican-American Border. He is the James Wallace Chair in Journalism at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. More about his work, which has received the George Polk, Edward R. Murrow, and other awards, at peterlaufer.com. He lives in Eugene, Oregon.