Subject
Gambling Books
Best books
Ralph Nevill
Light Come, Light Go: Gambling—Gamesters—Wagers—The Turf
"Light Come, Light Go: Gambling—Gamesters—Wagers—The Turf" by Ralph Nevill is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the extensive and complex world of gambling, showcasing its myriad forms throughout history, from card games to betting on horse races, and the social dynamics that accompanied these practices. It examines famous gamblers, their fortunes, and the societal implications of gambling during various eras, revealing the obsession that both the nobility and common people had with games of chance. The opening of the work introduces the inherent human tendency towards gambling, drawing parallels between gamblers and historical alchemists in their quest for fortune. Nevill discusses the complex relationship between luck and skill in gambling, highlighting notable figures such as Napoleon, Wellington, and Blücher, as well as tales of extraordinary gambling feats and losses that transcended class boundaries. It becomes evident that the allure of gambling has gripped society across different ages, often leading individuals to neglect responsible living in favor of the capricious whims of chance.
John Philip Quinn
Fools of Fortune; or, Gambling and Gamblers
"Fools of Fortune; or, Gambling and Gamblers" by John Philip Quinn is a detailed autobiographical account mixed with social commentary on gambling practices, written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the pervasive nature of gambling, its historical context, and its devastating effects on individuals and societies, reflecting the author's own twenty-five years of experience in the gambling world. Quinn offers a candid examination of the vices associated with gambling, aiming to expose readers, particularly the youth, to the hidden dangers behind the allure of games of chance. The opening of the book presents a thorough preface and introduction by Quinn, where he discusses the tragic consequences of gambling and expresses a desire to convey the realities of a gamester's life. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight the seductive nature of gambling and the moral decay it can bring. Quinn reflects on his early resolutions to abandon gambling, which were continually undermined by the infectious thrill of gaming experienced in his youth and the influences surrounding him. The tone is both cautionary and reflective, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of gambling’s historical significance as the narrative progresses.
Andrew Steinmetz
The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims. Volume 2 (of 2)
"The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims, Volume 2" by Andrew Steinmetz is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. This exploration of gambling delves into the lives of those involved in the culture of gaming, highlighting both the allure and the devastation it brings. The narrative reveals the darker underbelly of gambling society, filled with professional sharpers, their victims, and the societal consequences that emerge from such vices. At the start of the volume, Steinmetz introduces the concept of "chevaliers d'industrie," or polite sharpers, detailing their methods of manipulation and deceit. The opening chapters recount the rise of these skilled con artists, illustrating their gradual encroachment upon the innocent, often by involving them in gambling schemes laced with treachery. One highlighted character, Olivier, a young man from a respectable family, falls prey to the persuasive tactics of a card-sharper named Chauvignac, leading him into a series of gambling exploits that culminate in ruin. The opening sets the stage for a historical examination of how gambling not only ensnares individuals but can also perpetuate cycles of despair, violence, and social decay.
Andrew Steinmetz
The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims. Volume 1 (of 2)
"The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims. Volume 1 (of 2)" by Andrew Steinmetz is a historical account written during the mid-19th century that explores the pervasive culture of gambling throughout history, particularly focusing on England and France. The book delves into the social ramifications and personal tragedies that arose from gambling, illustrating the vice as it affects individuals from all walks of life, including the nobility, clergy, and common citizens. The opening of the narrative introduces the theme of gaming as a universal human compulsion, illustrating its historical roots and societal implications. Steinmetz recounts dramatic instances of financial ruin and moral decay that gambling has inflicted upon individuals, setting a grim stage filled with victimized characters and duplicitous environments. He references a variety of historical examples, including those from ancient civilizations to the contemporary examples of his time, making it clear that the allure of gambling knows no bounds. The preface establishes a serious tone of reflection on the dangers of gambling, hinting at both the alluring nature of games of chance and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and society as a whole.
Unknown
Betting & Gambling: A National Evil
"Betting & Gambling: A National Evil" by B. Seebohm Rowntree is a critical examination of gambling practices in early 20th century Britain, reflecting societal views from the late 19th to early 20th century. The work discusses the pervasive nature of gambling, which has spread beyond the upper classes to affect all segments of society, leading to significant social, moral, and economic consequences. Rowntree aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of gambling, comparing it to other societal ills like alcohol and calling for organized efforts to combat this growing social issue. The opening of the publication sets the stage for this discussion by outlining the evolution of gambling in Britain, noting its transition from an elite pastime to a widespread epidemic across all classes. Rowntree emphasizes the lack of organized resistance to gambling despite its clearly established destructive consequences, which are likened to a "cancer" within the social fabric. Furthermore, he highlights the complicity of various societal elements, from bookmakers to lawmakers, in perpetuating this issue, while also touching on the role ignorance and lack of ethical considerations play in the public's response to gambling.
John Nevil Maskelyne
Sharps and Flats A Complete Revelation of the Secrets of Cheating at Games of Chance and Skill
"Sharps and Flats" by John Nevil Maskelyne is a detailed examination of the art and mechanics of cheating in games of chance and skill, written in the late 19th century. This intriguing work aims to uncover the tricks and deceptions employed by those who engage in sharping, providing readers with an insight into the world of gambling fraud. Maskelyne, an accomplished magician and illusionist, sets forth to educate the public on recognizing these deceptions and understanding the moral implications related to cheating. At the start of the book, the author presents a philosophical perspective on the nature of cheating, suggesting that some individuals are inherently inclined towards crime and deception. He shares his personal experiences in battling chicanery, emphasizing the importance of enlightening the public about the extent of cheating prevalent in society. Following this introduction, Maskelyne begins to explore the common tactics employed by sharps, illustrating how they operate in various settings like racecourses and card games, thus teasing the audience with the revelations that will follow in the subsequent chapters. The tone is educational yet cautionary, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into the dark arts of cheating.
Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin
The Sharper Detected and Exposed
"The Sharper Detected and Exposed" by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is a treatise on the art of sleight-of-hand and the detection of gambling cheats, written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into the world of fraudsters referred to as "Greeks," exploring their various schemes and tricks used to dupe unsuspecting players and gamblers. Robert-Houdin aims to educate the public on the deceptions prevalent in gambling, drawing from his own experiences and knowledge gained through years of study and mastery of magical performances. At the start of the book, the author introduces readers to his motivations for writing about the deceptive practices of sharpers. He reflects on his requests from magistrates to investigate cheating cases, revealing the complexities faced by judges who need to understand the intricacies of sleight-of-hand to bring justice. Robert-Houdin expresses his desire to illuminate the tricks of these con artists to protect the public, and he shares anecdotes like his encounter with the cunning sharper Elias Hausheer to illustrate the dangers involved in understanding and confronting such deceitful practices. The narrative goes on to lay the groundwork for further exploration of the different types of sharpers and their methods, setting the stage for a detailed look at the world of gambling deception.
James Harold Romain
Gambling; or, Fortuna, her temple and shrine. The true philosophy and ethics of gambling
"Gambling; or, Fortuna, her Temple and Shrine" by James Harold Romain is a philosophical and ethical treatise written in the late 19th century. The work explores the nature of gambling, examining its historical significance and its profound influence on human behavior across civilizations. Romain aims to dissect the moral implications of gambling while calling for an understanding of the complexities surrounding this age-old practice. At the start of the book, the author discusses the contrasting views surrounding gambling throughout history, introducing an illustrative tale of two knights who misinterpret their perceptions of a shield's color, which serves as a metaphor for the differing opinions on gambling. Romain critiques previous works on gambling for failing to address its root causes and implications, asserting that a mere depiction of gambling does not contribute to the understanding or prevention of its perceived evils. He emphasizes the inevitability of gambling as a human instinct and poses various philosophical questions regarding chance, morality, and societal influences, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the ethics of gambling as the narrative progresses.
Henry Ward Beecher
Gamblers and Gambling
"Gamblers and Gambling" by Henry Ward Beecher is a detailed and critical examination of the vice of gambling, written in the late 19th century. This book falls into the category of a social critique and moral discourse, reflecting the prevailing sentiments of the Victorian era about morality and human behavior. Beecher delves into the psychological, social, and moral implications of gambling, seeking to expose its dangers and the destructive patterns it initiates in individuals and society. In this work, Beecher outlines the various ways gambling manifests in society, portraying gamblers as individuals driven by greed and excitement, often leading to ruin. He narrates the progression from innocent play to full-blown gambling addiction, emphasizing the ease with which one can fall into this trap. Through vivid illustrations and character sketches, he depicts the tragic consequences gambling can have, including the breakdown of personal relationships, the lure of dishonesty, and the moral degradation that ensues. The book serves as a warning to young men, urging them to recognize the insidious nature of this vice and the importance of resisting its seductive temptations to preserve their moral integrity and societal responsibility.
Robert Holloway
A Letter to Sir Richard Ford and the Other Police Magistrates Upon the Prevalancy of Gaming, and the Infamous Practices of Common Informers
"A Letter to Sir Richard Ford and the Other Police Magistrates" by Holloway is a critical treatise written during the early 19th century. This work addresses the societal issues surrounding the prevalence of gambling and the corrupt practices employed by informers within the legal system. The author's aim is to bring attention to the injustices and moral decay associated with gaming, as well as the exploitation of legal authority by unscrupulous individuals. In this letter, Holloway outlines the rampant issue of gambling across society, drawing historical parallels from different cultures and emphasizing its destructive impact on individuals and families. He provides detailed accounts of the legal measures in place to curb gaming but argues that these laws are often ineffectively enforced, leading to a rise in fraud and extortion. Using vivid examples, the author exposes the manipulations of self-proclaimed informers who abuse their legal power to extort money from unsuspecting victims, ultimately calling on the magistrates to act with vigilance and integrity to restore justice and protect the community from such abuses.
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