ABOUT THIS BOOK

Nevada’s iconic artform 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 occasionally by a neon sign—those glistening beacons that represent civilization in our vast Great Basin. The photographers’ stunning work captures the argon violets, krypton purples, helium golds, and xenon blues that glow amidst the nighttime desert sky.

The book makes clear that neon is not just a medium for casino advertising. The colorful images of cowboys and cowgirls, animals, desert landscapes, and countless other creative designs all illuminate an aspect of Americana—the neon sign—that helps define Nevada and its businesses, from bars and casinos to hardware stores, restaurants, motels, and theaters that line the streets of the Silver State’s 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, the book celebrates an artform that wholly embraces the state’s unique personality.

First published in 1994, this newly updated and expanded edition of Neon Nevada explores the resurgence of this artform during the last decade, which has resulted in an appreciation of Nevada neon that is not likely to fade. Swan and Laufer’s project, this survey of neon, casts 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.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Sheila Swan learned photography as an assistant in her father’s portrait studio. She joined the Nevada Craft Guild shortly after it was founded and began her study of Nevada’s relationship with neon.

Peter Laufer has 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 Nevada’s Gold Hill News.

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, the LUMI Neon Museum

“The illuminating pages of Neon Nevada are back in print! Our well-traveled, dog-eared copy went with us on our first epic neon road trip and will sit side-by-side on the shelf with this beautiful new edition. Two copies recommended: one for your neon library, and one for your next Nevada road trip.”
—Randall Ann Homan and Al Barna, coauthors of Saving Neon and San Francisco Neon: Survivors and Lost Icons

“Neon Nevada captures the energy and vitality of neon—one 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 make Nevada’s magnificent commercial landscape all aglitter!”
—Alan Goldman, Blue Plate Productions, producer of the documentary film, “Glowing in the Dark”

"Neon Nevada takes hits 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 Journal

TABLE OF CONTENTS