Product Description

Destined to become the most widely debated poker book ever, Ghosts at the Table is the definitive history of the game, compellingly told as a detective story. Des Wilson traces poker's development in the Old West during the nineteenth century and takes us to Deadwood, South Dakota, to question whether 'Wild' Bill Hickok was really shot while holding aces and eights; to Tombstone, Arizona, where it is claimed that the longest poker game ever was played; and to California to chart the rise of poker palaces. Moving on to the twentieth century, Wilson drives the 'white line' in Texas and talks to every one of the remaining road gamblers, including the game's godfather, Doyle Brunson. Many extraordinary stories of violence and drug taking are recounted from this era, when the game was being played illegally all over the state and the phenomenon of Texas hold 'em emerged. Wilson examines the popularity of poker in the twenty-first century and uncovers some amazing high-stakes games being played in Las Vegas. He investigates the infamous World Series confrontations, questions the credibility of poker's Hall of Fame and reveals the shocking truth about Benny Binion, founder of the World Series of Poker. Finally, he profiles poker's contemporary stars and charts the game's phenomenal rise on both the Internet and television. Full of unforgettable characters, great confrontations, mysteries and myths, Ghosts at the Table is a gripping account of the history of the game that will intrigue fans and novices alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #466788 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 336 pages

From the Back Cover
FINAL COVER BLURB

Poker has taken over the world. It is said that 80 million people now play regularly and close to $100 million is played for online every day. Tournaments generate prize pools that far outstrip all other recreational events – the top prize in the World Series of Poker in recent years has been greater than the money collected by the winners of the four golf majors and the Wimbledon singles tennis champions all added together.

But for all its amazing popularity, the game’s origins and history are surprisingly unclear. Instead of records and statistics, there is folklore and legend, a gallery of larger-than-life characters and an equal measure of fame and infamy. Here, for the first time, the true stories of poker are told.

This is history as a thriller. Des Wilson has approached his definitive account of the game’s development as a detective story. He has personally gone back to where poker has been played, stirring up controversy in his refusal to let sleeping dogs lie, and has delved deeper than anyone before to restore to their rightful place in history the ghosts who sit at the table of every poker game played today.

Packed with stories that will enthral both poker players and the non-playing public, this is the book that was waiting to be written.

About the Author
Des Wilson is a former Fleet Street columnist and journalist, social campaigner and politician. He is also the author of Swimming with the Devilfish.

Customer Reviews

A Definitive Poker History
I first came across Des Wilson via his previous poker related book, "Swimming with the Devilfish", which was half devoted to Dave "Devilfish" Ulliot and half towards the rest of the UK live poker scene. Whilst it was a good read you could not help but think that Mr. Wilson started out to write a book solely about the Devilfish but realised halfway through that he didn't have enough material and then decided to pad it out with stories of characters who, to be frank, were nowhere near as interesting and colourful as Mr. Ulliot.

Therefore, when I heard Wilson was embarking upon a full history of the game of poker I wondered how he was going to pull it off. I can tell you however he most certainly did. Going from the Wild West days right through to the 21st century online explosion Wilson presents a really well written account. He investigates some of the legendary poker games of the past and draws conclusions of authenticity which in most cases contradict popular belief.

Wilson gets access to some of the more reclusive survivors of pokers formative years and what you end up with is a very complete account of the games history. Hats off to Des Wilson, with the technological advances surrounding the way the game is played and the large amount of "internet kids" dominating the game it was a real danger that the origins and history of the game would be lost and forgotten. Wilson has made sure that will never happen.

If you have an interest in poker folklore, or in history in general, you will find this book a great read.