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  • Titanic Thompson

  • The Man Who Bet on Everything
  • Written by: Kevin Cook
  • Narrated by: Joe Barrett
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)

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Titanic Thompson cover art

Titanic Thompson

Written by: Kevin Cook
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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Publisher's Summary

Capturing the spirit of a freewheeling era, this rollicking biography brings to life the gambler-hero who inspired Guys and Dolls. Born in a log cabin in the Ozarks, Alvin "Titanic" Thompson (1892-1974) traveled with his golf clubs, a .45 revolver, and a suitcase full of cash. He won and lost millions playing cards, dice, golf, pool, and dangerous games of his own invention. He killed five men and married five women, each one a teenager on her wedding day. He ruled New York's underground craps games in the 1920s and was Damon Runyon's model for slick-talking Sky Masterson. Dominating the links in the pre-PGA Tour years, Thompson may have been the greatest golfer of his time, teeing up with Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Lee Trevino, and Ray Floyd. He also traded card tricks with Houdini, conned Al Capone, lost a million to Minnesota Fats, and then teamed up with Fats and won it all back.

A terrific listen for anyone who has ever laid a bet, Titanic Thompson recaptures the colorful times of a singular figure: America's original road gambler.
©2010 Kevin Cook (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
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What the critics say

"Cook's raucous narrative introduces readers to an eccentric, fascinating personality." ( Publishers Weekly)
"[R]eaders will revel in every rambunctious page about an outlaw spirit who lurked on the frontiers of society, sports, and fair play." ( Booklist)

What listeners say about Titanic Thompson

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Perfect

Great story. Great narration. Titanic’s life was amazing. Loved every minute of this audio book.

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