Beyond the Mafia : Italian Americans and the Development of Las Vegas

Traces the history of Italians in Las Vegas from the founding of the city in 1905, recording their activities in the fledgling settlement. First appeared in 1996, this book was hailed as a significant contribution to the history of Las Vegas and of ethnic minorities in America.

When ""Beyond the Mafia"" first appeared in 1996, it was hailed as a significant contribution to the history of Las Vegas and of ethnic minorities in America. Author, Alan Balboni traces the history of Italians in Las Vegas from the founding of the city in 1905, recording their activities in the fledgling settlement. As Las Vegas grew, Italian Americans participated in every aspect of the city's society and economy, including construction, retail establishments, hotels, and - after the statewide legalization of gambling in 1931 - the casino industry. Basing his research on well over a hundred interviews, as well as the records of Italian American organizations, public agencies, and other sources, Balboni has produced a sparkling, farsighted, and thoroughly documented account of the history of one of Las Vegas' most progressive and productive ethnic minorities. This new paperback edition includes an afterword by the author that brings the story of Las Vegas' ""Italian Americans"" up to the present.