Jonathan H. Green

Johnathon H. Green wrote a few books on poker. Most importantly related to poker although very old is his autobiography. This book is one of the classic books in gambling. It is an autobiography and describes Jonathan Green's conversion from a gambler to an exposer and teacher.

Among others it exposes: game of thimbles; diamond cut diamond, or the gentleman's game; Dead open and shut; church gambling; five aces beaten; lotteries; post office game; pound cake, or ring game; the preacher and the gambler; grab loo.

It commences by showing how he became a gambler - why he resolved to reform - destruction of his gambling instruments - he makes restitution - the question of reformation - his conversion - unites with the methodist church - his determination to lecture the rest of his life throughout the United States, and expose the tricks of gamblers, together with a full autobiography of his life up to the present time. beautifully embellished with illustrative engravings.

He was born in Indiana in 1813 and his mother died when he was an infant. He was sent by his father to work for a far from kind master and in 1829 fled to gain employment in Cincinnati. He committed an offense whilst here and was thrown in prison, resulting in his card playing habit. For 12 years he then wondered the Mississippi River where he would constantly change names engaging in gambling as his profession. He was jailed many times and once escaped using false keys.

In 1842 he withdrew himself from gambling and began a lecturing tour on the vices of it. Visiting community's and prisons abroad. He published "Gambling Unmasked, all Autobiography " (Philadelphia, 1847), and " Secret Band of Brothers " (1847).


 * Danielle