Description - Roll The Bones by David G. Schwartz
From the stone age to the online casino, this work presents a first narrative history of gambling. It is a fascinating account of the evolution of gambling in all its forms, examining how it developed with - and influenced - human civilisation. This is the epic story of gambling, beginning with its early emergence from divination rituals and ending with the global gaming culture of today. In a sweeping, rollicking narrative, David G. 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. "Roll The Bones" begins with the rolling of knucklebones in prehistoric times, progresses through the casting of lots portrayed in both the Bible and sacred Hindu writings and traces gaming through the heights of the Greek and Roman civilisations. Schwartz continues through the Middle Ages, investigating the mysterious invention of playing cards in 12th 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.
He describes how lotteries financed some of the first American colonies; how gambling prospered in the Civil War and the Old West; how organised crime exploded in the 20th century by running illegal gambling operations; and how gambling dollars turned Las Vegas into the world's number one tourist destination. Packed with colourful characters - from Julius Caesar to Casanova. George Washington to Steve Wynn, "Rolling The Bones" is an all-in sure bet to captivate readers everywhere!
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