Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game

The story of Monopoly, the world's favorite board game, is a tale of obsession, fury, and scandal. In this gripping account, author Mary Pilon takes us behind the scenes of the game's invention, revealing the bitter rivalries, cutthroat business dealings, and personal betrayals that shaped its history.

The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game

by Mary Pilon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The game was invented in 1903 by Charles Darrow, a struggling inventor who claimed to have come up with the idea while unemployed during the Great Depression. However, Pilon's research reveals that Darrow stole the idea from a woman named Lizzie Magie, who had patented a similar game called "The Landlord's Game" in 1904.

Magie's game was designed to teach the evils of monopolies and promote the Georgist economic theory of a single tax on land. Darrow, on the other hand, removed all of the game's moralistic elements and turned it into a ruthless competition for money and property.

Darrow's game quickly became a hit, and he soon sold the rights to Parker Brothers. However, Magie never received any credit or compensation for her role in creating the game. She died in poverty in 1948, while Darrow became a millionaire.

The scandal surrounding Monopoly's origins has been largely forgotten, but Pilon's book brings it to light in all its sordid detail. She also explores the game's enduring popularity, arguing that it taps into our primal instincts for competition and greed.

"Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game" is a fascinating and well-written account of the dark side of Monopoly. It is a must-read for anyone who loves the game or is interested in the history of American capitalism.

Reviews

"A fascinating and meticulously researched account of the scandal behind Monopoly. Pilon's writing is clear and engaging, and she does an excellent job of bringing the story to life." - The New York Times

"A gripping tale of greed, betrayal, and the American Dream. Pilon has written a must-read for anyone who loves Monopoly or is interested in the history of American capitalism." - The Washington Post

"A fascinating and well-written account of the dark side of Monopoly. Pilon's book is a must-read for anyone who loves the game or is interested in the history of American capitalism." - The Economist

Author

Mary Pilon is an American journalist and author. She is a contributing editor at The New Republic and her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other publications. She is the author of the book "The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game."

The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World's Favorite Board Game

by Mary Pilon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE