Erdnase, S. W.

The Expert at the Card Table (cover title). Artifice, Ruse, and Subterfuge at the Card Table. [London: Published by the author, ca. 1902]

8vo (197 x 133 mm). Illustrated with over 100 drawings "from life" by Marshall D. Smith; text block evenly toned, first gathering slightly loose. Green cloth, front cover and spine🅺 lettered gilt; spine lightly sunned, a few small spots to rear cover.

[With]: a group of five titles related to gambling and its discontents: J. H. Green. An Exposure of the Arts and Miseries of Gambling. Boston: Redding & Co., 1845. — J. H. Green. Gambling Unmasked! Philadelphia: G. B. Zieber & Co., 1847. — J. H. Green. The Secret Band of Brothers. Philadelphia: Published by the Author, 1848. — Jonathan H. Green. Gambling Exposed. A Full Exposition of all the Various Arts, Mysteries, and Miseries of Gambling. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson and Brothers, [1857]. — George H. Devol. Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi. Cincinnati: Devol & Haines, 1887. Condition varies.&nbs🐓p;

First edition of this card manipulation classic, continually referenced since its publication by magicians as well as by cheats. Here accompanied by an addit𒉰ional group of titles devoted to the "mysteries and miseries" of gambling. 

REFERENCE:

Exemplars from the Ricky Jay Collection, p. 86