Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling Hardcover - 2006
by Schwartz, David G
- Used
- Hardcover
The first narrative history of gambling, spanning the Stone Age to the Internet era, examining how it evolved with and influenced human 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 today's 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 Empire's 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 world's 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 humanity's fascination with chance.
Description
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Details
- Title Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling
- Author Schwartz, David G
- Binding Hardcover
- Edition FIRST EDITION
- Pages 570
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Gotham Books, New York
- Date 2006
- Illustrated Yes
- Bookseller's Inventory # 496364
- ISBN 9781592402083 / 1592402089
- Weight 1.97 lbs (0.89 kg)
- Dimensions 9.34 x 6.6 x 1.72 in (23.72 x 16.76 x 4.37 cm)
- Ages 14 to UP years
- Grade levels 9 - UP
- Library of Congress Catalog Number 2006017509
- Dewey Decimal Code 795.09
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We've been in business since 1987 and have storefronts in Eugene and Portland, Oregon. Currently we are selling via mail order and for local customers, offering curbside pick up. Our speciality is academic studies in western philosophy, classics, Christian theology, church history, Judaica, biblical studies, archaeology and ancient near east.