Author Description

Originally published in 1891, Gambling: or, Fortuna, Her Temple and Shrine. The True Philosophy and Ethics of Gambling. provides a spirited but idiosyncratic defense of gambling, based on cultural relativism, hereditarian psychology, and libertarian politics. Original Publisher's Note: "America is free and her people boast of her freedom in every realm of thought and every department of activity. Her pride is a form of discussion from which no man is excluded because of the opinions he may advocate. We declare a man should be heard in the very face of prejudice or passion. Mr. Romain's book, in our judgment, is entitled to publication for other reasons than those above mentioned. It is replete with learning, and original in conception. The philosophy is broad and the tone dignified. Patient research is manifest in every page. Every branch of knowledge has been made to contribute its force to the argument. The work is a mine of information in political speculation, social science and moral philosophy. Mr. Romain is obviously in sympathy with the widest possible circle of culture. For that reason, if for no other, what he has to say is entitled to a respectful consideration. His book is unique in design and wrought out with vigor. His appeal is to philosophy, science and history; not to idle curiosity, purposeless gossip, or the unimportant "personal equation" to which others have been so prone. In the interest of fair play, but, confessedly, with no sympathy for gambling, the book is offered to the people to decide as to the correctness of its conclusions."--Adam Craig, Publisher