Blacklegs, Card Sharps, and Confidence Men

Blacklegs, Card Sharps, and Confidence Men

Author: Thomas Ruys Smith

Publisher: LSU Press

Published: 2010-05

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 0807137367

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In Blacklegs, Card Sharps, and Confidence Men, Thomas Ruys Smith collects nineteenth-century stories, sketches, and book excerpts by a gallery of authors to create a comprehensive collection of writings about the riverboat gambler. The voices of canonized writers such as William Dean Howells, Herman Melville, and, inevitably, Mark Twain hold prominent positions. But they mingle seamlessly with lesser-known pieces such as an excerpt from Edward Willett's sensationalistic dime novel Flush Fred's Full Hand, raucous sketches by anonymous Old Southwestern humorists from The Spirit of the Times, and colorful accounts by now nearly forgotten authors like Daniel R. Hundley and George W. Featherstonhaugh. Smith puts the twenty-eight selections in perspective with an Introduction that for the first time thoroughly explores the history and myth surrounding this endlessly fascinating American cultural icon.


Forty Years of American Life

Forty Years of American Life

Author: Thomas Nichols

Publisher: Applewood Books

Published: 1970

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1429003855

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A physician makes observations on American life for an English audience. A memoir of the doctor, born in New Hampshire, which leads him toward commentary on American politics, slavery, education, and morality. Vol. 2 of 2


The American Reports

The American Reports

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1912

Total Pages: 1012

ISBN-13:

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Containing all decisions of general interest decided in the courts of last resort of the several states [1869-1887].