All In: The (Almost) Entirely True Story of the World Series of Poker
by Jonathon Grotenstein
Jonathan Grotenstein and co-author Storms Reback, have done a remarkable job of research in writing 'All In: The Entirely True Story of the World Series of Poker,' using hundreds of resources, interviews and re-creations of hands and situations to take care of everything a poker buff might want to know about the most famous poker tournament in the world. Well-indexed, this is the story about how the game became popular, and of the people who helped and are helping promote it.
The Age of Chance
by Gerda Reith
The author examines gambling's enduring appeal, exploring its complex relation to our underlying conceptions of the world, and to the social and cultural backgrounds of those who fall under its spell. Using a wide range of sources, she traces the origins of gambling in the ancient world and follows its manifestation in games as diverse as the patolli of the Aztecs and the Internet gambling of today. From an analysis of social structure, she goes on to consider the subjective experiences and attitudes of individual players, discovering some remarkable continuities: the same deliberate seeking out of risk, a disregard for money and a variety of superstitious beliefs in luck and Destiny seem to typify gamblers throughout history and across cultures.
This fascinating and extensive study, enlivened by interviews with British and American gamblers, will be interesting reading not just for those interested in the cultural and social implications of gambling - researchers in sociology, cultural studies and the history of ideas - but for anyone interested in how we create meaning in an increasingly insecure world.
207 pages, paperbound, April 2006.
Gambling Book Reviews
'Guide To US Casinos and Racinos' One of Four New TitlesThursday, May 17, 2007
Howard Schwartz reviews a diverse quartet of new titles — two should appeal to horseplayers and travelers; one is a vivid look at how a gambling addiction destroyed one man’s life and the fourth is a great reference for those who love sports trivia (a super gift for Father’s Day in June).
Two New Poker Books Aimed At Tough Players And PigeonsSunday, April 15, 2007
If you're a tough player and one who likes to pretend you're a dunce, two new books just arrived at Gambler's Book Shop that aim to help you perfect your skills at the poker tables and end up with the money. Like watching a colorful parade and you never know what's coming down the street next, the new books march into our lives with exciting new titles to help them stand out and sell.
52 Greatest Moments World Series of Poker ReviewedSunday, April 08, 2007
52 Greatest Moments World Series of Poker relates some of the amazing events that have made the World Series of Poker the iconic event of the poker world in an attractive package.
Howard Schwartz' New Baseball Book PicksSunday, March 25, 2007
Howard has been pouring over the new releases that cover baseball and over the past few weeks has picked out his essential list for baseball fans and bettors.
Jackpot Nation Explains Why We All GambleSaturday, March 17, 2007
Those who wonder why people gamble too much (or gamble at all), and where this nation is headed with regard to risk-taking (it's an $80 billion a year industry), perhaps where it's headed internationally, will want to read Richard Hoffer's Jackpot Nation
No-Limit Texas Hold'em: A Complete Course ReviewedFriday, March 09, 2007
Angel Largay's No-Limit Texas Hold'em: A Complete Course isn't the book I'd recommend to newcomers to fixed buy-in no-limit hold'em games, but it is certainly worth reading, especially by players with a little experience. This book provides poker advice built around a solid, consistent, winning theme that should improve most players' games.
Poker and Philosophy Provides Thoughtful Collection of EssaysMonday, March 05, 2007
Poker and Philosophy provides authors with a scholarly understanding of philosophy and a less deep understanding of the game of poker. Some of the essays are thought-provoking, but I would say only a few of them demonstrate true insight into the game. Serious poker players may enjoy some of these essays, but this book will appeal to those who are more interested in thinking about poker's popular image than in gaining a detailed appreciation of this complex game.
Hellmuth's Read'em and Reap 'Tells' a Good StoryWednesday, February 28, 2007
Phil Hellmuth Presents Read 'Em and Reap is a good book on the topic of poker tells. While I wouldn't say that it's groundbreaking or transcendent, but I would say that it's a solid addition to the literature on the topic. Players of all skill levels who want to learn more about tells, both in detecting them and in avoiding giving them off, will probably benefit from this book.
Kill Phil Strategy Succeeds for BeginnersMonday, February 12, 2007
Kill Phil aims to provide an effective strategy that can be used by beginners in no-limit Hold'em poker tournaments. It definitely succeeds in this regard. The book has some flaws, but none that cripple the strong advice the authors provide.
History of Gambling Cons Revealed in Three Good BooksThursday, February 08, 2007
As the gaming industry grows so does the number of people who find themselves fascinated with its history, origins, cons, scams and hustlers of yesteryear. Here are three books that the average would-be historian should appreciate.
Four Books to Make or Save you MoneyThursday, January 18, 2007
There are no sure things in gambling. If there were, we wouldn't call it gambling, right? But there are some resources, books, for example, which clearly will save you money if you're frugal or cautious or intent in stretching your recreational dollar. Here are four such books.
Vegas Guide Is A Great Timesaver While Physics Of Hoops FascinatingThursday, December 28, 2006
Bob Sehlinger's new Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas offers lots of tips, maps, and information including the time it might take you to go from one part of Las Vegas to another by car or taxi and the benefits of staying on the Strip compared to Downtown.
Negreanu's Wisdom A Winner; Math Of Poker Super, AdvancedSaturday, December 16, 2006
Like two back-to-back clutch homers in baseball, a duo of fresh poker titles arrive at year's end, so make way on your bookshelves for Hold'em Wisdom For All Players by Daniel Negreanu and The Mathematics of Poker by Bill Chen and Jerrod Ankenman.
Konik's Smart Money ReviewedThursday, December 14, 2006
In The Smart Money, author Michael Konik chronicles the ups and downs of his four or so years as a professional sports bettor. The book is entertaining and well written, although short on details.
More Books from the Gambling BookshelfMonday, December 04, 2006
John Grochowski takes a look at one of our author's new books, Frugal Video Poker, by Jean Scott. He also reviews Phil Gordon's latest effort.
Best Picks from the Gambling BookshelfMonday, December 04, 2006
It's been a long time since John Grochowski has gone to the gambling bookshelf and it's jam-packed with recent releases. In this article, John browses through some of the best.
Konik Releases New Book on Sports BettingFriday, November 17, 2006
Michael Konik might have been best known for two previous books related to gambling--'The Man With the $100,000 Breasts' and 'Telling Lies and Getting Paid.' He could have been recognized more for the fact that he was the first to do a live TV commentary on poker. Some folks recognized him as a musical talent. But now that he has written an interesting memoir titled The Smart Money: How The World's Best Sports Bettors Beat the Bookies Out of Million)