All In : The (Almost) Entirely
True Story of the World Series of Poker

From Publishers Weekly

The authors, both professional poker players and writers, offer the definitive history of a tournament that has grown from humble beginnings in 1970, with a mere eight players, into a cultural phenomenon with over 2,500 entrants and millions of dollars in prize money. In the world of poker, there are as many side stories as there are players, and Grotenstein and Reback mine to good effect the lore surrounding old school legends like Doyle "Dolly" Brunson, as well as the new generation of players who have gained notoriety; there are stories of booms and busts, of preternatural abilities to "read" opponents, of breathtaking bluffs and sometimes tragic flaws. Much of the book is devoted to recounting the pivotal hands that decided the outcomes of the 30-odd years of tournament play as well as insightful analysis of those hands. The allure of tournament poker-no doubt built in part on the fantasy that anyone, like the amateur 2003 WSOP winner Chris Moneymaker, can beat the Michael Jordans of the poker world-will bring many readers "all in."
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Book Description

Its an understatement to call poker a national obsession, and the World Series championship represents the games most enviable achievement. The 2005 tournament was covered by more than three hundred reporters from around the world and televised on ESPN. Its ratings blew away NBA coverage, and has NBC considering bringing the WSOP to network TV in 2006.In this exciting history, the authors use first-hand interviews, video footage, and written accounts to craft a comprehensive and highly entertaining account of the greatest tournament in the world, from its humble beginnings as a second-tier casinos publicity stunt in 1970 to the most coveted crown in a game that has swept the planet. They introduce colorfuland seemingly fearlesscharacters and chronicle some of the most gut-wrenching and heart-breaking momentsoften with millions at staketo be found in any event of its kind. Amazingly enough, while the World Series has been touched upon in numerous bestsellers, no one has ever written a comprehensive account of the history of the biggest poker tournament on earth.