Skip to Content
Los Angeles

Preview: Spectacular Illumination: Neon Los Angeles, 1925-1960

Spectacular Illumination: Neon Los Angeles 1925-1965  is a new book published by Angel City Press which is primarily a collection of amazing vintage photos of the glowing neon heritage of the City of Angels.

SPIL-cvr1-1350x1350

L.A. is one of the world's most vibrant cities and part of the formula was the magnificent signs lining its streets during the Golden Age of neon from 1925 to 1965.

Photographer and historian Tom Zimmerman has collected images that spectacularly illuminate what Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and countless other writers have tried to put into words. The sense of wonder that is evoked by looking at these images will transport you back to another age.

Most of the images are in crisp black-and-white, as it was the dominant form of photography in this period. Surprisingly, you can still 'feel' the colors coming through even in b&w. The energy of the city is expressed in neon, and in the photos the book collects you can feel a young city rising and lighting up with activity. You can also sense the alienation possible in the illumination that glows the same whether the streets are full or empty.

Tom Zimmerman and J. Eric Lynxwiler discuss and sign Spectacular Illumination: Neon Los Angeles 1925-19657:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, at Skylight Books,1818 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

SPIL-pg180_ChineseTheatre
SPIL-pg170_HollywoodBlvd
SPIL-pg144_BelmontTheatreLB
SPIL-pg128_FlyingAGas
SPIL-pg123_MiracleMile
SPIL-pg106_Drugstore
SPIL-pg084_DriveIn_JohnSwopeCredit
SPIL-pg076_Chinatown
SPIL-pg038_BroadwayLights
SPIL-pg022_Incandescent

Please enjoy these images from inside the book courtesy Angel City Press... 

 Get more info on this book here: http://www.angelcitypress.com/products/spil

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

This Weekend: Thai-Salvadoran Sandwiches, Asado Negro Tacos, and New Westside Korean

Plus wild caught Maine lobster rolls, Guatemalan garnachas on a lake, and a favorite for tacos al vapor.

November 8, 2024

L.A.’s First Cochinita Pibil is Legendary and Still Amazing, 52 Years Later

“Cochinita is my fountain of youth,” jokes Marc Burgos, the second-generation owner of this pioneering panaderia. At 50 years old, he is younger than his father’s pioneering Yucatán bakery, the first in L.A. to offer cochinita pibil tacos. 

November 7, 2024

The 24 Best Tacos Al Pastor, Adobada, and Árabes In Los Angeles

Is al pastor L.A.'s official taco? Judging by the sheer amount of crispy-edged trompos dotted around every single corner of this beautiful city, we can certainly make that argument. Here is our vetted list that took us nearly two decades to compile. ¡Provecho!

November 7, 2024

Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra Director Seeks Donations to Avoid Losing Childhood Home in Leimert Park

After Session’s landlord “abruptly” served him with a 60 day notice earlier this month, “for no other reason than wanting to sell the property,” Session decided his best chance of staying in the house would be to buy it.

November 6, 2024

A Guide to Voter Guides in L.A. County

Remember, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5th) to vote. L.A. County has reasonably accessible voting infrastructure that allows you to return your ballot by mail, hundreds of ballot drop-boxes stationed around the county, as well as the ability to vote in-person at a vote center.

November 5, 2024
See all posts