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"Battleground: Monopoly vs Anti-Monopoly" manuscript

 Collection — Box: Individual Manuscripts Box 8, Folder: 1-2
Identifier: 125.anspach

Abstract

The "Battleground: Monopoly vs Anti-Monopoly" manuscript is an early draft of the book Billion Dollar Monopoly Swindle written by Ralph Anspach. The manuscript contains some handwritten and typed notes and is dated 1997.

Dates

  • Creation: 1997

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This manuscript is open to staff of The Strong and researchers of its library and archive.

Conditions Governing Use

Though the donor has not transferred intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to The Strong, they have given permission for The Strong to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Historical Note

In 1998, Ralph Anspach published The Billion Dollar Swindle, a book about the history of Monopoly and the legal fight between Parker Brothers and Anspach. Anspach created the game Anti-Monopoly (1973), that resulted in a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by Parker Brothers. Anti-Monopoly was created in response to Monopoly to demonstrate the harmfulness of monopolies and how antitrust laws worked.

While researching his case, Anspach uncovered the patents of Lizzie Magie for her Landlord's Game, a precursor to Monopoly. The legal fight went to the Supreme Court in 1983 where Anspach won.

Extent

0.6 Linear Feet (329 p.)

Language of Materials

English

Related Materials

The Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives also holds:

Anspach, Ralph.The Billion Dollar Monopoly Swindle: During a David and Goliath Battle, Anti-Monopoly Uncovers the Secret History of Monopoly. GV1469.M65 A67 1998.
Philip E. Orbanes papers. Series V, subseries C, sub-subseries 4 contains the Anti-Monopoly trial transcripts and information on the history of Monopoly. Object ID 112.7138.
Heap Folk Art Monopoly papers contains photographs, game design sheets, and rules for a folk art version of Monopoly created by John O. Heap circa 1914 and deposition materials in the Anti-Monopoly trial. Object ID 110.4372.

The Strong museum holds:

Anti-Monopoly, 1974 (object ID 106.2754)
Charles Darrow's Monopoly prototype, 1933 (111.1431) and more.

Processed by

Stephanie Ball, May 2025.

Title
Guide to the "Battleground: Monopoly vs Anti-Monopoly" Manuscript, 1997 —
Author
Stephanie Ball
Date
2025 May
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository

Contact:
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)