Originally titled Ninety Times Guilty (not exactly a catchy-grabber
even in the 30s), and not indexed or illustrated, it's stilla
part of history-of gambling and organized crime, and still worth
reading.
A
fascination with the rich triggered Cynthia Crossen to write THE
RICH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY (286 pages, hardbound,$25.95).
Eleven individuals get the spotlight here, including Bill Gates,
Hetty Green, John Law, Richard Arkwright and Genghis Khan. Each
gained riches and reflected a different lifestyle at a different
point in history.
One
conquered five million square miles of land; another changed the
course of history in the way we communicate. Hetty Green was a
stock market genius but squeezed a dollar beyond belief-even when
it came to her own family.
The
book tries to explain while the rich are different from everyone
else-with stories, examples of daring, of cheapness, innovation,
eccentric behavior beyond belief at times.
Overall,
this is a compendium of material about people who "smelled opportunity
where others saw obstacles." It is also, a history of major financial,
social and technological developments which have shaped the world
we live in. (The author is senior editor at The Wall Street Journal.)
(Any
book mentioned in this review is available from Gambler's Book
Shop, 630 South 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101. You may order via
toll-free number 1-800-522-1777 from 9-5 Pacific time, Mon.-Sat.,
or via their internet site www.gamblersbook.com
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free 80-page catalog sent first class. If mailing a check or money
order, add $5.50 postage for one book, $1 for each additional
title).