'Richard has constructed a conceptually sophisticated intertwining of historical analysis of the eighteenth-century culture of gambling with a series of effective readings of novels and visual images. This is a fine book on the culture of eighteenth century gambling that speaks eloquently to the stakes of our present time.' - Ross Hamilton, Associate Professor of English, Columbia University, USA ... Read more '...an immensely engaging argument that explores gambling through an impressive breadth of topics; this work would be of interest to anyone looking at the rise of the novel especially as tied to culture, finance, and the economy.' - Kate Scarth, University of Warwick, BARS Bulletin & Review Show Less