The Life and Adventures of Ben Hogan, The Wickedest Man in the World: Containing a Full Account of His Thrillings and Remarkable Experiences, Together with a Complete Report of His Triumphs in the Prize Ring, and His Career in the Oil Regions, in the Far West, and on the Sea

A fictionalized biography of Benedict "Ben" Hogan—legendary boxer, gambler, and self-promoter during the oil rush days in Western Pennsylvania—actually written by Hogan himself. In 1870, Ben Hogan's Floating Palace of Pleasure famously anchored in the center of the Allegheny River between Armstrong and Jefferson counties to avoid local laws. Revelers ferried out to the steam boat for its brothels and bars. “Hogan’s Floating Palace had special entertainment scheduled at various times particularly at 5:00 PM every day,” writes historian Samuel T. Pees. “It was mandatory BATH TIME in the river for the girls, and Hogan turned it into a hit feature. Men paid well for deck chairs so positioned to allow a good and comfortable view of the proceedings. There were also some hands-on interludes when, for two bucks, a gentleman (or whoever) could jump into the river and assist the bare bathers with their ablutions.”

Benedict "Ben" Hogan (1841-1916) was born in Germany and immigrated to New York in 1852. He was an infamous riverboat gambler, bare-knuckle boxer, faro dealer, and owner of dancehalls and brothels in the oil country of Western Pennsylvania and in Downtown Pittsburgh. After years of “wickedness,” Hogan heard a Temperance speaker in New York City and converted, becoming a popular evangelist in Chicago who ran a mission.