The Game of Authors (1861) Board Game

The Game of Authors is a classic card game that was first published in in 1861. It is a set collection game where players try to collect sets of cards featuring famous authors. The game has been enjoyed by children and adults alike for over a century, and it remains a popular choice for family game nights. The game is in the public domain, meaning that it can be freely distributed and played without any copyright restrictions.

Game Components of The Game of Authors

52 cards: Featuring color portraits of 13 honored writers.

13 authors: Including Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and others.

Lists of works: Each card lists four of the author’s greatest literary works.

Standard indices: Cards have indices in both upper and lower corners, allowing use in traditional card games.

How To Setup The Game of Authors

To set up the game, shuffle the 52-card deck and deal out the cards equally among the players. Each author is represented by four cards, and the objective is to collect complete sets of these four cards. The game can be played with 2-6 players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Collecting sets: Players aim to collect all four cards of an author by calling for specific cards from other players.

Card calling: Players must recall the authors and their works to request the correct cards.

Completing books: The game is won by the player who collects the most complete sets of an author’s four cards.

Player Experience

The Game of Authors is a fun and educational experience, making it a great way to introduce players to famous authors and their works. Players appreciate the game’s ability to peak interest in literature and its nostalgic value for those who played it in their childhood. The game is easy to learn and play, similar to “Go Fish,” but with an educational twist.

Pros

Educational: Helps players become familiar with classics and their authors.

Quality cards: Cards are of good quality, durable, and coated for better longevity.

Easy to play: Simple to learn and play, making it accessible for both children and adults.

Nostalgic value: Brings back memories for many players who enjoyed it in their youth.

Family-friendly: A great game for family gatherings and learning together.

Cons

Small print: Some players find the authors’ names and book titles printed too small on the cards.

Picture quality: Some cards have fuzzy pictures and cramped text under the author’s portrait.

Personal Thoughts on The Game of Authors

The Game of Authors is ideal for book lovers, families, and anyone looking to learn about literature in a fun and interactive way. It’s a perfect tool to teach kids (and adults) about famous authors and their works while enjoying a competitive game. Given its educational value and ease of play, it’s highly recommended for those seeking a game that combines entertainment with learning.

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