ShareAnthony Holden, a renowned author, biographer, and poker player has passed away at the age of 76 . The Briton’s death has left a void in the hearts of many who admired his work and his passion for poker, illustrated by his classic books Big Deal and Bigger Deal.
Holden's life was a testament to his love for literature and his unique ability to weave narratives that captivated audiences worldwide.
Born in 1947, Holden's journey into the world of literature began at an early age. His passion for writing was evident in his extensive body of work, which included over 40 books. His literary prowess was not limited to a single genre; he explored biographies, memoirs, and later ventured into the world of poker writing after spending a full year as a professional player.
Holden's biographical works were particularly noteworthy. He had a unique ability to delve into the lives of his subjects, bringing their stories to life with his eloquent prose.
Among his most acclaimed works was his biography of King Charles, which was lauded for its insightful and comprehensive portrayal of the monarch's life. He also chronicled the lives of Laurence Olivier, Tchaikovsky and Shakespeare.
However, it was not just the world of biographies that Holden conquered. He also made a significant impact on the poker community. His book, Big Deal, is considered a seminal work in poker literature.
It chronicles his year-long journey on the professional poker circuit, providing readers with an insider's view of the highs and lows of the poker world in real time during the late 1980s, before the game grew.
As the poker boom was happening two decades ago, he added to his contributions to poker literature by writing Bigger Deal. He played across the world in every kind of game you can think of—from the plush card rooms of Las Vegas and Europe to home games and into the online scene.
His candid and engaging narrative style made Big Deal a must-read for poker fans who were on their own journey with the game.
A few years ago, Holden told PokerNews:
“I would say that Big Deal is now really a history book or a period-piece; it emerged from a much more colorful but now bygone world, pre-internet, pre-much poker on TV, when the WSOP was still based in Glitter Gulch at Binion’s, whose eponymous founder and his family were still around to offer gold-standard anecdotes and bottomless pits of rich eyewitness material.”
Holden's love for poker was not just confined to his writing. He was an active participant in the poker community, often seen at major poker events. In fact, in 2000 he won the first celebrity edition of Late Night Poker, the first TV poker show that utilised hole card technology.
Despite his accomplishments, Holden remained a humble and approachable figure. His legacy will continue to live on through his works, which continue to captivate and inspire readers.
