Maintaining the same high standards of the first edition, published in 1973, this new, revised edition is still the most comprehensive one-volume history of a state that was once thought of as "a bridge to somewhere else." In revising, Elliott summarizes the state's economic, political, and social history since 1973 and strengthens a major point he made then: that Nevada's acceptance of liberal marriage and divorce laws and of legalized gambling brought economic stability to a state singularly devoid of stable economic resources. -- from Book Jacket

Time has all but forgotten the tragic tales of those who have passed through Nevada, but their spirits remain. As arguably the most haunted state in the nation, Nevada has more than its share of ghosts with intriguing stories and historical connections. Among them is the unfortunate gangster, Bugsy Siegel who died in Beverly Hills only to return to his old stomping grounds, the Flamingo Las Vegas; Julia Bulette, the ill-fated prostitute who was slaughtered in her bed on a cold January morning in 1867; and the many haunted houses in Reno, their owners forever tied to their homes, refusing to depart.

This two-volume set cites books, pamphlets, maps, music, directories, and other published materials (excluding materials from technical and popular magazines and newspapers) on the history of mining in the American and Canadian West. Topics covered include prospecting, mining rushes and camps, and mining finance, labor, technology, law, literature, and lore. The initial portion provides general information on mining and metalurgical technology. The subsequent regional sections are subdivided into refined historical studies, raw materials, fictional and poetic treatments, and bibliographical guides to further materials. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).