Book Review: At The Sands
At The Sands, By Dr. David G. Schwartz (Author)
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Book Review by Bob Ambrose
t the Sands, by Dr. David Schwartz provides a look back to the birth of one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas. The Sands Hotel and Casino operated from 1952 to 1996. The book is a time capsule and once the first page is turned you are witness to the history of a very unique casino hotel property, the Sands. The bonus in the book is that you become better acquainted with its evolving host city, Las Vegas. The book details the Sands as a casino industry model of evolution in terms of its managerial changes through 44 years and also leading as a company in a casino/hospitality revolution. It was always at the forefront of industry operational procedure enhancements and unique offerings to the public. Dr. David Schwartz, is UNLV’s associate vice provost for faculty affairs and noted historian on gambling. He has authored several books on gambling, casinos, and the men that operated them. I had the pleasure 38
some years back to meet him and to be interviewed for another of his books, entitled, Tales from the Slot Floor. Dr. Schwartz has consistently shown us through his many books, his appreciation for deep, welldocumented research, and the result is his superlative narratives. In the book I saw the Sands as a “portal,” to also look at a special moment in time for the city of Las Vegas. And thanks to the great imagery and characterization of people, presented by Dr. Schwartz, how the gambling industry made its “bones,” bringing it to today’s commercial model. The construction of the Sands took place in an era when “wise-guys” often had the final say “inthe-house.” They were the bank! We also meet an endless chorus line of highly respected rich and famous celebrities that show you both their talents and darker side. It is about the people that give the orders, and those that carry them out! www.casinolifemagazine.com