Nick the Greek

About the Book

In 1919 Nick Dandolos arrived in Chicago from Greece, pursuing the American dream. Instead, tempted into a high-stakes game of cards, he is driven to humiliation and defeat. From these depths he begins his painstaking mastery of the skills of gambling under the tutelage of the crafty old gambler, Nestor, who says, "If God wished to learn to gamble, he would come to me."

Wreaking vengeance on the powerful gangsters who had beaten him, Nick begins a meteoric ascent that carries him through no-limit games with kings and tycoons, and, finally, gains for himself legendary status as "Nick the Greek."

About the Author

Harry Mark Petrakis, raised in Chicago as the son of a Greek Orthodox priest, has written 16 books, including novels, short stories and essays. Twice nominated for the National Book Award in fiction, he has adapted his stories and novels for television and film. He also teaches and lectures extensively as a storyteller in the old Homeric tradition.