Mormons took a big gamble when they settled Las Vegas 150 years ago. That bet paid off as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped plot the growth of Americas gambling mecca. Through never-told-before accounts and exclusive interviews, veteran journalist Kenric F. Ward traces the guiding influences of a conservative church in a city that deals in the wages of sin. Its a sociological odd couple. Las Vegas is eight hours and light years from Salt Lake City. But amidst the bright lights and the non-stop partying is a thriving Mormon community, says Ward, an author and free-lance writer who has lived in Nevada for the past decade. In this fast-paced book highlighted with historical photos, Ward tells the uniquely American story of a strict, sober Church that found a way to co-exist with and profit from the gambling industry. Its a testament to the adaptability of a people, a city and a faith.
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