Informazioni su questo prodotto

Product Identifiers

PublisherPenguin Publishing Group

ISBN-101592402089

ISBN-139781592402083

eBay Product ID (ePID)53574947

Product Key Features

Book TitleRoll the Bones : the History of Gambling

Number of Pages576 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicSocial History, Gambling / General (See Also Self-Help / Compulsive Behavior / Gambling)

Publication Year2006

IllustratorYes

GenreGames & Activities, History

AuthorDavid G. Schwartz

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height1.9 in

Item Weight32.4 Oz

Item Length9.5 in

Item Width6.4 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

LCCN2006-017509

Dewey Edition22

Grade FromEighth Grade

Dewey Decimal795.09

Grade ToUP

SynopsisThe first narrative history of gambling, spanning the Stone Age to the internet era, examining how the scene evolved with, and influenced - human civilisation., Historian David G. Schwartz tells the epic story of gambling, beginning with its early emergence in divination rituals and ending with today's global gaming culture. The book begins with the rolling of knuckle bones in prehistoric times, progresses through the casting of lots portrayed in the Bible and traces gaming through the heights of the Greek and Roman civilisations. It also investigates the invention of playing cards in China, the birth of table games in Venice and the British Empire's work in spreading gambling around the world. Truly fascinating., The first narrative history of gambling spans the Stone Age to the Internet era, examining how it evolved with--and influenced--human civilization. Halftones throughout. 8-page photo insert., The first narrative history of gambling, spanning the Stone Age to the Internet era, examining how it evolved withand influencedhuman civilization In "Roll the Bones," historian David G. Schwartz tells the epic story of gambling, beginning with its early emergence from divination rituals and ending with todays global gaming culture. In a sweeping, rollicking narrative, Schwartz looks at the betting games people have played since the dawn of history, and argues convincingly that gambling has always been a crucial part of the human experience. The book begins with the rolling of knucklebones in prehistoric times, progresses through the casting of lots portrayed in the Bible and sacred Hindu writings, and traces gaming through the heights of the Greek and Roman civilizations. Schwartz continues through the Middle Ages, investigating the mysterious invention of playing cards in twelfth-century China, the birth of the casino and table games such as baccarat in Venice, and the British Empires work in spreading gambling throughout the world. Schwartz describes how lotteries financed some of the first American colonies, how gambling prospered in the Civil War and the Old West, how organized crime exploded in the twentieth century by running illegal gambling operations, and how gambling dollars transformed Las Vegas into the worlds number-one tourist destination. Packed with colorful characters from Julius Caesar to Casanova, George Washington to Steve Wynn, "Roll the Bones" is an all-in history of humanitys fascination with chance. BACKCOVER: Advance Praise for "Roll the Bones" "Roll the Bones" is a comprehensive and compelling look at the history of risk-takinga necessary book inour age of plutonium poker, state lotteries, and billion-dollar Internet gaming sites. David Schwartz, a serious historian writing for a general audience, illuminates an urge we feel deep in our cells. From the Foreword by James McManus, author of "Positively Fifth Street" Simultaneously entertaining, informative, and provocative, "Roll the Bones" looks through the veils of luxury, elegance, and pleasure that surround mankinds obsession with lady luck, to give a panoramic view of generations of gamblers, from the Caesars of Imperial Rome to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Behind the lively narrative is a mass of information on the origin and rules of most popular games of chance, and a thoughtful analysis of the place of gambling in the 21st century. Iain Gately, author of "Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization" David Schwartz has written a masterful and encyclopedic history of gambling, from hunter- gathering peoples to the tourists on the twenty-first-century Las Vegas Strip. Throughout Schwartz maintains an accessible writing style with plenty of enjoyable anecdotes. Both the professional historian and the average reader will find the work rewarding. Larry Gragg, author of "Englishmen Transplanted" and "The Salem Witch Crises" "Roll the Bones" is an impressive telling of our journey with gambling, from its evolutionary beginnings to todaya great read for both the serious student of gambling history and the merely curious. This book will become the gold standard of gambling history. Crandell Addington, championship poker legend and member of the Poker Hall of Fame

LC Classification NumberHV6710.S38 2006