Reviews for Playing the Numbers: Gambling in Harlem between the Wars

The average rating for Playing the Numbers: Gambling in Harlem between the Wars based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-05-30 00:00:00 Bob Grove Playing the Numbers offers a deep dive into Harlem's numbers gambling. Filled with humor and flair, the authors trace the evolution of numbers gambling during the interwar years and the ways in which it impacted and reflected culture in the black metropolis. The authors' affection for Harlem is apparent and while it occasionally leads to less than subtle jibes at white America, they successfully explain not only why the game is significant but demonstrate its use as "a prism through which to examine African American culture in the most important city in the world." Many of the sources and individuals highlighted will be familiar to scholars but skilled story telling makes it feel new. That said, it is the authors' mining of the stock exchange records that adds a new dimension to the story by not only reinforcing the central claim to the game's significance but also tying it to Gotham's business history. As a result, the work sits comfortably at the intersection of business and social history.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-11-30 00:00:00 Am Ne This is an entertaining history of the numbers or Clearing House game played in Harlem early in the 20th century. It is a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of Harlem's African American population, and their boundless optimism to "make a hit" despite centuries of discrimination and racism. The book includes an interesting history of the illegal lottery plus the memorable characters and their stories that bring the lottery to life. Although presumably an academic book written by a committee of four writers, the writing is clear and entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history.