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Title
Description
The most popular board game of the 1930s began as an inspiration of writer, actor, political activist and anti-monopolist Lizzie Magie, who created the Landlord Game in 1903 as an educational tool. Players traveled around a square board, hoping to avoid the charges of predatory railroads. Property was there to demonstrate the social utility of property taxes. Two different modes of play were possible: one version, called Prosperity rewarded all players; the other version, Monopoloy rewarded just one.
By the 1930s, Magie's game was joined by copied versions. Salesman Charles Darrow encountered the game in 1932, and with a few minor additions submitted the copyright shown above using the work of a hired graphic artist. Darrow's game was so successful that the larger Parker Brothers bought his rights, and went on to widespread success.
Monopoloy arrived at a time when economic precarity, and vastly diminished family budgets, coincided with fantasies of wealth. The game has proved very resilient, appearing in hundreds of editions and languages.
By the 1930s, Magie's game was joined by copied versions. Salesman Charles Darrow encountered the game in 1932, and with a few minor additions submitted the copyright shown above using the work of a hired graphic artist. Darrow's game was so successful that the larger Parker Brothers bought his rights, and went on to widespread success.
Monopoloy arrived at a time when economic precarity, and vastly diminished family budgets, coincided with fantasies of wealth. The game has proved very resilient, appearing in hundreds of editions and languages.
Creator
Darrow, Charles
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Original Format
Patent