Fools of Fortune; or, Gambling and Gamblers

This work offers a rare, insider’s view of the gambling world, narrated by someone who spent twenty‑five years mastering every game and scheme from riverboats to desert saloons. The author blends personal confession with a sweeping survey of gambling’s reach across continents and centuries, revealing how the allure of the “green cloth” has ensnared countless lives. Alongside vivid anecdotes, the text dissects the tricks of professional players, confidence men, and bunko operators, exposing the mechanics behind their deceptive successes.

Beyond the personal narrative, the book examines the social and moral fallout of the vice, echoing the concerns of clergy, journalists, and lawmakers who have long decried its spread. It argues that understanding the unequal odds and hidden tactics can curb the endless recruitment of new victims. Readers will come away with both a gripping portrait of a hidden subculture and a clearer sense of why the battle against gambling remains so urgent.