The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist HistoryThe rags to riches story of self made billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, the daring aviator, gambler, and business tycoon Kirk Kerkorian was a pioneering American aviator, movie mogul, risk taker, and business tycoon who transformed Las Vegas and Hollywood to become one of this countrys leading financiers. The son of Armenian immigrants, his early life began as far as possible from his eventual place on the Forbes list of billionaires. Young Kirk learned