‘Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime’ Explores the City’s History Like Never Before
By Laura Henkel
Las Vegas is a city of endless reinvention, where the line between fantasy and reality blurs under neon lights. Dutch historian and iGaming executive Joris Dekkers captured the essence of this city in “Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime,” a lavish coffee table volume that blends rare visuals with captivating storytelling. Encased in a deep red clamshell box, this work of art offers an exclusive exploration of the evolution of Las Vegas—from its early days in the desert to its rise as a global entertainment capital.
A Labor of Love
This book was a two-year passion project for Dekkers, sparked by his first visit to Wynn Las Vegas. “On my many trips to Las Vegas, especially when I first set foot in Wynn Las Vegas, I couldn’t stop wondering how this extraordinary city rose from the desert in under a century to attract millions of people,” he recalls. His fascination led to a deep dive into the stories of the visionaries who shaped the Strip and turned Las Vegas into an oasis of extravagance and innovation.
Dekkers enlisted a team of key contributors to bring his vision to life. Roger Thomas, the legendary designer behind many iconic resorts in Las Vegas, served as advisor and editor. His expertise helped ensure the book’s design reflects the city’s grandeur. Glenn Schaeffer, former president of Circus Circus Enterprises and CEO of Mandalay Bay, offered his deep knowledge of Las Vegas business history, guiding Dekkers through the intricate connections between the city’s key players and their bold transformations.
Visuals That Bring History to Life
One of the standout elements of “Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime” is its stunning visuals, which tell a story as rich as its text. Dekkers worked with Aaron Mayes from UNLV Special Collections to unearth rare and never-before-seen photographs. “Aaron Mayes was essential in making sure the book contained images that truly capture the spirit of Las Vegas,” Dekkers says. These visuals provide a unique perspective on the city’s evolution, allowing readers to experience its transformation in ways previously unseen.
Aaron Berger from The Neon Museum also played a pivotal role, offering access to the museum’s iconic collection of neon signs, which serve as enduring symbols of the city’s identity. These glowing artifacts evoke the nostalgia and energy of its golden years, reminding readers of the city’s vibrant, larger-than-life personality.
Further enriching the book’s visual storytelling, Kelli Luchs from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) granted access to the Las Vegas News Bureau archives. This invaluable resource offers a wealth of historical imagery.
The collaboration with Mayes, Berger and Luchs ensured that “Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime” captures the visual essence of Las Vegas in unparalleled detail, giving readers a rare glimpse into the stories behind the glitz.
An Experience of Luxury
Reflecting the city’s reputation for opulence, “Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime” is a luxurious production. Housed in a deep red clamshell box with gold-foil lettering, the oversized, leather-bound book rests on cream velvet, offering a tactile experience that mirrors the city’s glamour. Every element has been meticulously designed to evoke a sense of timelessness. Dekkers explains, “This is a piece of luxury that stands out in any interior.”
But the book goes beyond its lavish design; it captures the essence of Las Vegas through storytelling. Readers are transported to the 1950s, when the Mob ruled the Strip and Frank Sinatra headlined at The Sands and follow the city’s transformation through the decades. Figures like Jay Sarno, the visionary behind Caesars Palace, and Steve Wynn, who redefined luxury with his resorts, come to life through their bold decisions that shaped the city’s future. The combination of visual and narrative storytelling creates an immersive experience that captures the history and the feeling of Las Vegas.
A Must-Have for Vegas Enthusiasts and Collectors
“Las Vegas: The Journey of a Lifetime” is more than a historical account—it celebrates the people, ideas and visual splendor that built one of the world’s most iconic cities. This book comprehensively explores the past, present and future of Las Vegas through a fresh lens that blends historical insight with unmatched visual storytelling.
For Dekkers, this book offers a new way to see and appreciate the city. Now available for pre-order at www.thelasvegasbook.org, this limited-edition volume is a must-have for collectors, history buffs and design lovers alike.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Las Vegas history. Uncover the untold stories behind the neon lights and legendary transformations of one of the world’s most captivating cities.