The Monopolists

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

By: Mary Pilon

Narrated by: Chris Sorensen

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The Monopolists reveals the unknown story of how Monopoly came into existence, the reinvention of its history by Parker Brothers and multiple media outlets, the lost female originator of the game, and one man's lifelong obsession to tell the true story about the game's questionable origins.

Most think it was invented by an unemployed Pennsylvanian who sold his game to Parker Brothers during the Great Depression in 1935 and lived happily - and richly - ever after. That story, however, is not exactly true. Ralph Anspach, a professor fighting to sell his Anti-Monopoly board game decades later, unearthed the real story, which traces back to Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and a forgotten feminist named Lizzie Magie who invented her nearly identical Landlord's Game more than 30 years before Parker Brothers sold their version of Monopoly. Her game - underpinned by morals that were the exact opposite of what Monopoly represents today - was embraced by a constellation of left-wingers from the Progressive Era through the Great Depression, including members of Franklin Roosevelt's famed Brain Trust.

A fascinating social history of corporate greed that illuminates the cutthroat nature of American business over the last century, The Monopolists reads like the best detective fiction, told through Monopoly's real-life winners and losers.

©2015 Mary Pilon (P)2015 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Pilon invests this surprisingly contentious chronicle with a dynamic mix of journalistic knowledge and subtle wit... A fascinating, appealingly written history of an iconic American amusement." ( Kirkus Reviews)

I'll never look at Monopoly or any game the same.

This book should be a companion to every Monopoly board sold. Well researched by Ralph A and the author. Shame on the monopolizers.

Well done on the narration too.

Newcaster Type Narration of a Fascinating Story

I have spent countless hours playing the game of Monopoly with my children, family and friends and never really knew the story behind the game. Although the history of the game was printed in the games instructions, I never knew that history because the game (as with most players) was taught to me by others who already knew how to play so who had time for instructions?? 😆

The story of Monopoly's origins starts off like a locomotive leaving the station but once it is up to full speed the journey is well worth the trip. It reads/listens like a novel but the narrator was a little dry and a "just the facts" kind of of voice.

I highly recommend this story so at least you know the truth over who really invented it, who stole it and how the game industry really operates.

Low key but interesting history lesson

A well researched and clearly told story that brings to light some interesting characters and snapshots of specific aspects of social and business history. Good level of detail without getting bogged down. Not a good choice if you want a white knuckle adrenaline trip, just a series of related stories connected ably.

Fascinating

Loved it. This is a story of American capitalism, for better, for worse, for entrepreneurial, for conglomerate, for radical, for game playing strategist. This is American history at its most fascinating.

Great story

Who would have thought the background of a board game could be so interesting? Really well told story, I can't wait to check out more from this author.

Couldn’t put it down

Inhaled this book. Very interesting. Great for fans of Masters of Doom but need it to be even squarer. Many complaints re: the reader but I did not find him too interruptive.

History of controversy

I really enjoyed the history and fun fact elements of this. How there were multiple origins, homemade elements, house rules and even how monopoly played a part in WWI and II. The voice actor was monotonous and I didn’t love all the ins and outs of the legal stuff but the overall story was interesting. Worth sharing if someone really
Loves history or board games or monopoly but not a “highly recommended” read

Interesting and fun (but BADLY read)

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would probably recommend the book instead of the audiobook. Loved the story but the narrator really made it difficult to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Monopolists?

I loved the story of Lizzie McGee and her major contribution to the board game market. She was far ahead of her time--fascinating, smart and interesting. I would have loved to have met her.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Chris Sorensen?

Sean Runnette would have been fantastic--he is my favorite. There are many others, too, who would have done a better job.
Sorensen sounds like a robot--he elongates the last word of every sentence.
I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and I only listen to nonfiction. I don't want the reader to be dramatic or "act out" the story, but a narrator who gives some character to the story via his or her delivery makes a difference.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Maybe, but to read not listen.

Any additional comments?

This really is an interesting story of a beloved board game and its place in history. I was very surprised at how interesting it was, and how much drama surrounded the game in its early days.

Fabulous story

A lifelong monopoly devotee, I was absolutely gripped by the story. The reading leaves a little something to be desired quite honestly, but the story is a magnificent yarn.