Biographer Anthony Holden was an award-winning newspaper columnist and editor before becoming a full-time writer and broadcaster. He is also an admired translator of works from the classics to opera for Jonathan Miller at the English National Opera.
'Holden is the best possible guide to the new worlds of poker. He has seen it before, and lived it' Telegraph 'It's Holden's effortless prose that makes BIGGER DEAL a triumph. His ebullience is infectious' Poker Player Magazine 'BIG DEAL was high stakes gonzo ... BIGGER DEAL represents the more measured reportage of the seasoned semi-pro' Metro NON-FICTION OF THE WEEK 'A smoking-hot report from today's poker scene' Poker Listings 'Holden has an endearing way of turning descriptions of botched or brilliant poker hands into page-turning mini-narratives, discussing his mental demons and romantic travails. You can't help rooting for him' Scotsman 'The Bill Bryson of the gambling hall, Holden's deceptively laconic and urbane style is full of unexpected facts, colour and insights' Glasgow Herald 'Whereas Big Deal was high-stakes gonzo with the gusto of the anonymous amateur, Bigger Deal represents the more measured reportage of the seasoned semi-pro. But there are enough hands detailed here to keep poker heads in clover, while those who wouldn't know a royal flush from pocket rockets will still find it thoroughly addictive Metro 'Shadowy appearances from various molls , encounter with the old lions such as Al Alvarez, and many dramatic narratives of particular hands, ballsy bluffs and spectacular bad beats . As usual, Holden's prose purrs along like the casino's best limo' Steven Poole, Guardian