The Story Behind Monopoly
Clive Jenkins


As one of the most popular games ever, Monopoly has its own legend. Some
say that it was invented by engineer Charles Darrow from German town,
Pennsylvania. The story tells that he designed the game by drawing a
sketch of the board game on a dirty textile piece, while making plans
for a wealthy life and successful business.

In 1934, he tried to present his idea to the Parker Brothers, but they
rejected it by considering that there were many design mistakes and the
game just being too complicated and long to play. Now the name, Parker
Brothers is known to all toy lovers by their original creations or the
ones with a license. But who were they? George Parker was the youngest
child from the three children that the Parkers had. Though he wanted to
become a journalist Parker was passionate about games and toys. As an
adolescent he created his first game "Banking",. In time, he founded a
company and his brothers joined him, under the name of "Parker
Brothers" and made history by creating cards games, puzzle games and
board games.

But, returning to our story, disappointed, Darrow still believes in his
idea and begins selling the game, though it had a lower quality design
than the games produced in factories. The game began to gain
popularity, and the Parker brothers saw now the opportunity they missed
the first time. In 1935, they purchased the full rights of production
and distribution for a confidential sum.

A thing that not many of us know is that Monopoly resembles a lot with
another society-game "The Landlord's Game", created and owned by
Elizabeth J. Maggie, from Virginia, in 1904. She created this society
game based on her conception that it was necessary a single tax, and
every person was supposed to pay this tax according to their personal
properties and assets. So she created the game as a practical
exemplification of her idea.

The game had, as Monopoly, 40 squares, 4 railroads, 2 squares with
utilities, 22 spaces for rent and special squares such as Jail, Go to
Jail, Luxury tax and Parking. The game gradually became successful and
the rules were transmitted from one player to another, often changed,
and the board game and the pieces were made by passionate players.

Even if we do not know in what measure Darrow has inspired himself in
creating Monopoly, a thing is clear: the game had and still has a huge
success, especially after the Toys Fair (1935), where it was first
presented. It became a real phenomenon, being adapted and translated in
no more than 26 languages, including Braille.

Clive Jenkins recommends the Monopoly Tycoon Site which will provide
you with comprehensive information on all aspects of the game of
Monopoly. To find articles, tips and free advice check out the site
here: http://www.monopolytycoonsite.com


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