The Merry Gamester or Games Through the Ages

by Walter Nelson

A Practical Guide to the English Speaking World's Most Popular Card Games, Dice Games, and Divers Amusements, from Ancient Times to the Year 1900.

97 pages, Unbound

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Redsteve · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide to popular games from Roman times up to around 1900 - although the author admits that many of the details prior to the Medieval period are highly speculative - aimed primarily at reenactors. Although some French, German, and Italian variations are discussed, focus is on games played in English-speaking countries. He includes card and dice games, board games (tabula/tables, Nine Man Morris, Hnefetafl, Fox and Geese, Medieval Chess, Draughts and the Royal Game of Goose), as well as some "field games" (bowls, skittles, quoits, hurling and period football). All games discussed are played by adults and most involve gambling. He gives basic rules and, in some cases, multiple variations. Nelson provides sources and admits when he is having to guess, or to combine rules from multiple incomplete sources.