Synopsis
James McManus, who memorably chronicled the genesis of his own poker obsession in POSITIVELY FIFTH STREET, expands his analysis to examine the history of the poker's evolution and to reveal how the game came to represent the essence of American culture. McManus identifies possible roots of poker from all over the globe, but shows that the game developed into its most popular form in the United States, primarily on Mississippi river boats and among Civil War soldiers. He places the game directly in history by documenting many of its most famous enthusiasts, including several U.S. presidents, from Abe Lincoln to Richard Nixon to Barack Obama. One of McManus's more fascinating focal points is how poker has gone from a game dominated by cheaters, who employed an astounding array of innovative and amusing techniques, to a legitimate enterprise which privileges charisma, cunning, and calculation.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2009-10-27 |
| Size | | Length: | 516 pages | | Height: | 9.0 in | | Width: | 6.0 in | | Thickness: | 1.5 in | | Weight: | 28.0 oz |
Publisher's Note
Traces the history of poker from its origins in China, the Middle East and Europe to its ascent as a global phenomenon, offering additional insight into the game's considerable role in American culture. By the best-selling author of Positively Fifth Street. 75,000 first printing.
Traces the history of poker from its origins in China, the middle east, and Europe to its ascent as a global phenomenon, offering additional insight into the game's considerable role in American culture. By the best-selling author of Positively Fifth Street. 75,000 first printing.
Industry Reviews
"Poker now has what must surely be its definitive history in this excellent, comprehensive account of the game....The 'national card game,' [McManus] asserts, embodies essential American qualities. It's an ambitious objective, but the book achieves it by connecting the game to American culture." (starred review)
(08/03/2009)
"COWBOYS FULL is a deal-me-in delight. Starting with a sweeping survey of the history of the game and its role in American culture, McManus ends with a smart, insiders' analysis of how poker has been - and should be - played."
(11/08/2009)
"McManus writes with verve and knowledge, though his book is a little sprawling....The thoughts on poker terms and principles in global politics, and on the application of game theory to fields like cancer research are interesting, although McManus does sometimes exaggerate or stretch a point....COWBOYS FULL is so entertaining, informative, and genial that McManus can be forgiven for occasionally overplaying his hand."
(11/15/2009)
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