This volume examines board games produced in America during the last half of the 19th century, an era that witnessed both a growth trend towards family game-playing among middle-class Americans and an explosion in the production of board games. Illustrated with examples of chromolithographed box covers and game boards, the book explores both the trends that led to the profusion of games and the ways in which these games reflect culture that produced and played them. Beginning with a brief overview discussing the manufacturing processes, pricing, availability and major manufacturers, the book's subsequent chapters are organized around prominent themes found in these games: travel, sports, courtship, racism, city life, war, education and capitalist enterprise.

Margaret K. Hofer is associate curator of decorative arts at the New-York-Historical-Society.