A Mirror of the Turf; Or, The Machinery of Horse-Racing Revealed, Showing the Sport of Kings as It Is To-Day

"A Mirror of the Turf; Or, The Machinery of Horse-Racing Revealed" by James Glass Bertram is a historical snapshot of the high-stakes world of horse racing in the late 1800s. The book peels back the glamorous facade of the so-called "Sport of Kings" to expose the complex network of money, power, and people that drives it. Gambling practices take center stage, revealing how they influence the actions of trainers, jockeys, and bookmakers, all while the author clarifies that this book is for the public, not a professional guide, and that the book examines the social and economic presence through a critical lens, with the lure of gambling threatening to overshadow the true sporting spirit.