Monopoly: The world's most famous game and how it got that way

Philip Orbanes' history of this most famous game recounts that Elizabeth (Lizzie) Magie of Illinois invented the rules and general appearance of the "Landlord's Game," precursor of Monopoly, which she patented in 1904. Its design concept was original: a continuous path game, unusual in its day. The four squares of Lizzie's game were: Mother Earth; Absolute Necessity/Jail; Public Park; and No Trespassing/Go to Jail. Does this sound familiar?

Another story about this early game: it was added to the curriculum by the young Wharton economics professor, Scott Nearing. Some of his students followed his lead and a tradition was establishied of introducing homemade copies to new students.

Monopoly saved lives in World War II: specially manufactured editions contained "escape tools, maps, and compasses hidden inside their game boards, and real currency tucked under the game's colorful bills. The Red Cross would deliver these games to Allied airmen housed inside Nazi stalags -- prisoner of war camps...the Nazis considered games and puzzles 'pacifiers' that kept prisoners occupied with something other than escape schemes" and furthermore, had stopped inspecting Red Cross package deliveries. (Chapter 8)

If you grew up on Monopoly, like I did; if you remember pleading with your parents for "just one more trip around to Go" before bedtime; if you have a favorite playing piece; and if your childhood home often as not had an in-progress game commanding prime space and attention -- you'll enjoy the story of this cultural icon.