“This glorious technicolour journey through the geographies, histories, politics and cultures of neon is a tour de force; rigorously researched, insightfully written and stunningly illustrated, it is an utter delight.”

“Despite all the books out in recent years with vintage signs and neon as their subject, we’ve long needed this accessible historic narrative aimed squarely at neon, fueled by passion and work experience and sharpened with new field research. I love how it is bookended with recent stories of preservation and restoration, all anchored by community passion.”

“DeLyser and Greenstein bring to this work over four decades of experience in the field, from conducting exhaustive community- and archivally- based research to preserving and restoring innumerable signs and installations. They bring to light in this book a full spectrum of people: those who work behind the scenes lifting neon to new heights, those who restore it to full glory, and those who commemorate its legacies today. Their “light history” offers weighty consideration of a popular art form and its continuing impact on place and placemaking, and they do so with equal measures of wit and wisdom.”

“DeLyser and Greenstein draw readers into a world where commerce and art meet in a beguiling history that explains the changing meanings of one of the 20th century’s most ubiquitous forms of advertising and place making.”

“DeLyser and Greenstein reveal fresh insights and, through meticulous research, dispel falsehoods that have been repeated in the literature for decades.”

“Expertly revealing the changing historical meanings of these vibrant luminous designs, the authors lucidly show how the neon sign has successively symbolised cutting edge modern technology, glamour and social decline. Exploring the different technological applications, commercial imperatives, architectural styles and aesthetic tastes that have influenced shifting styles over time, the authors emphasise the innovative, skillful work that has used light to make nocturnal spaces magical.”

“Expertly revealing the changing historical meanings of these vibrant luminous designs, the authors lucidly show how the neon sign has successively symbolised cutting edge modern technology, glamour and social decline. Exploring the different technological applications, commercial imperatives, architectural styles and aesthetic tastes that have influenced shifting styles over time, the authors emphasise the innovative, skillful work that has used light to make nocturnal spaces magical.”

“DeLyser and Greenstein follow makers, merchants and moralizers to range lucidly over the matters of technology and craftsmanship, culture and commerce, optimism, dissolution, nostalgia and rebirth that surround neon like a halo. Telling stories of signs, the authors create a shimmering narrative written in multicolored bouquets. You will be dazzled.”