Jonathan Harrington Green (c. 1813–1887) was an American writer, inventor, and reformer who rose to prominence in the mid-19th century. In his youth, Green was widely recognized as one of the most skilled card players in the United States, navigating the high-stakes world of professional gambling. However, in 1842, he chose to retire from the lifestyle, embarking on a dramatic career transition that would define the remainder of his life.\n\nFollowing his retirement, Green became an active and passionate crusader against illegal gambling. Working as an agent for the New York Association for the Suppression of Gambling, he conducted an exhaustive investigation into the illicit gambling operations active in New York City between 1850 and 1851. His efforts were instrumental in enacting anti-gambling legislation across several states, and he frequently toured the country as a public lecturer to warn others of the dangers of gaming.\n\nGreen's literary career was deeply intertwined with his reform efforts. He channeled his personal experiences and observations into several memoirs and exposés. His notable publications include Twelve Days in the Tombs (1851), The Gambler's Life (1857), and The Reformed Gambler (1858). Through these works, Green provided a rare, insider look into the 19th-century underworld, cementing his legacy as both a reformed gambler and a dedicated social advocate.
