The Age Of Chance

From the Apophoreta of Imperial Rome to the ersatz grandeur of Las Vegas, from ritual divination to weekly lottery fever, individuals have pitted themselves against the chaotic forces of Fate. Gerda Reith examines the enduring appeal of gambling, exploring its complex relation to our underlying conc [...]
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From the Apophoreta of Imperial Rome to the ersatz grandeur of Las Vegas, from ritual divination to weekly lottery fever, individuals have pitted themselves against the chaotic forces of Fate. Gerda Reith examines the enduring appeal of gambling, exploring its complex relation to our underlying conceptions of the world, and to the social and cultural backgrounds of those who fall under its spell. Using a wide range of sources, she traces the origins of gambling in the ancient world and follows its manifestation in games as diverse as the patolli of the Aztecs and the Internet gambling of today. This fascinating and extensive study will be enthralling reading not just for those interested in the cultural and social implications of gambling - but for anyone interested in how we create meaning in an increasingly insecure world.