Though known the world over as the metaphor for the entertainment business, Hollywood is a real place built on an empire of the unreal - and the surreal. Formerly a quiet town founded by Methodists and popular with spiritualist societies that built temples and shrines in its famous hills, Hollywood was transformed forever when movie-makers arrived. And it has never been the same again.

111 Places in Hollywood That You Must Not Miss reveals lost history, shocking mysteries, sacred spaces, secret mob stories, a concealed dam that imperils the city every day. You will discover everything from movie studios built on historic cemeteries, wonderful street art, tasty fish tacos, haunted comedy venues, and sites of famous deaths, suicides, murders and illicit liaisons. Experience Tinseltown like never before - far beyond the bright lights, rising, stars, and red carpets.