Review
Cowboys Full: The Story of Poker by James McManus
A must-read! Antonio Esfandiari, professional poker player. The book also outlines the re-emergence of poker in recent years as a pastime for many millions and, for a select few, a reasonably legitimate profession. Its an ambitious objective, but the book achieves it by connecting the game to American culture. Poker, it turns out, is inextricably linked with history, from the Civil War to the cold war, and with politics . .. Publishers Weekly gBefore the burst of a million online geniuses, James McManus was already writing the best material on poker, and Cowboys Full proves that nothings changed. The national card game, he asserts, embodies essential American qualities. Michener describing the Plains Indians discovery of the buffalo: Wait a second . .. In tracing the game from its early 19th-century roots in New Orleans to todays global phenomenon, McManus does more than present a history of poker: My goal is to show how the story of poker helps to explain who we are. Theres nothing I cant do with this sonofabitch. David MametPoker now has what must surely be its definitive history in this excellent, comprehensive account of the game from the author of the widely hailed poker memoir Positively Fifth Street. Amazon Best Books of the Month, November 2009: Professional sports such as football and baseball may tout themselves as "America's Game," but according to James McManus, poker is the true American pastime. Here is that crazy ride in unparalleled detail, driven by wit, wisdom, true love, and sizzling style. I would throw in A joy for poker players and non-players alike, but, of the second group, who cares what they readand I dont think there are enough of them to affect Mr. McManuss royalties. Cowboys Full is McManus's brilliant homage to the game that inspired his 2003 bestseller, Positively Fifth Street, and weaves through a colorful history of sharps, grinders, and braying donkeys. From the lawless saloons of the Old West to Oval Offices of the modern era, poker has been a part of our cultural DNA for nearly two centuries by offering a shot at the American Dream with each deal. "More than politics, warfare, business, or physical sports," McManus argues, "poker has become the arena in which men and women of every race and background compete on the most equal footing." Although positioning it alongside Mom and apple pie may be a stretch, Cowboys Full nevertheless presents a compelling case that the essence of America is best understood through a few hands of its favorite card game. --Dave CallananPraise for Cowboys FullThe story of poker is that of risk-loving America and, recently, the rest of the world. As analyst, historian, devotee, and no mean player, James McManus is pokers most eloquent advocate. I can eat it, wear it, make it into a drum . ..