When legendary mathematician Edward O. Thorpe invented card counting, he proved what seemed impossible: it is possible to beat the dealer at blackjack. His amazing success - and mathematically flawless method - created such a sensation that casinos revised the rules and the world of gambling was irreversibly changed. Thorpe then turned his attention to “the greatest casino in the world,” Wall Street. The mathematical formulas Thorpe developed and implemented to beat the market ushered in the era of financial mathematics in which we live to this day. “Ed Thorpe's memoirs read like a thriller. They involve secret wearable computers that James and Bond wouldn't mind, sinister characters, great scientists, and poisoning attempts (not to mention a sabotage that would cause Ed to have an "accident" in the middle of the desert). This book paints a portrait of a neat, serious, organized man dedicated to the pursuit of life, knowledge, financial security and, last but not least, pleasure." (Nassim Taleb) "I invite you to take part in my odyssey through the worlds of science, gambling and securities markets. You will learn how I overcame all sorts of dangers and became successful in Las Vegas, on Wall Street, and in my own life. On this journey you'll meet interesting people, from card-counting blackjack players to investment professionals, from movie stars to Nobel laureates. You'll learn about options and other financial derivatives, as well as hedge funds, and learn how a simple investment strategy can beat even the most experienced investors over the long term." (Edward Thorpe)