Gambling Memorabilia Featuring the Collection of Tom Blue

Green, J[onathan] H[arrington]. An Exposure of the Arts and Miseries of Gambling. Cincinnati: U.P. James, 1843. First edition. Modern quarter leather, retaining contemporary spine label. 12mo. 360pp. Light to moderate foxing. Not recorded by Howes or Jessel. Rare. The author’s first book was also the first American work of any substance on poker and crooked gamblers’ techniques. Green’s fame stemmed from the many books and lectures he wrote under the pretense of being “reformed.” (Whether or not he actually was “reformed” is a matter of debate.) Later editions of this book were widely circulated, but this first edition bearing the Cincinnati imprint is genuinely rare. The book recounts many tales from the romanticized gambling boats traversing the Mississippi River, as well as experiences with con men, counterfeiters, and pickpockets.