Title: Parlour Games for Modern Families
Authors: Myfanwy Jones and Spiri Tsintiziras
If you have Parlour Games for Modern Families by Myfanwy Jones and Spiri Tsintziras on your bookshelf, you’ll never be bored again.
It’s packed full of inspiring ideas for games the whole family can enjoy together.
As mothers themselves, the authors were inspired to create this collection of ideas for their own children and beyond.
Parlour games were popular during the Victorian era, providing simple entertainment for all ages. They required little in the way of equipment; anything that was needed was cheap and easily available.
In this book, the authors provide a compelling case for game playing, before moving on to give some first-hand advice about how to include it in your family life.
Following on from this, they have included a wide range of parlour games, explained appropriately for the family of today. They are divided into handy sections such as:
- Games of Drawing and Writing
- Games of Motion, Mystery and Make-Believe
- Games of Cards, Dice, Marbles and Knucklebones
- Games Spoken Aloud
The rules are clear and easy to follow and some come with variations to help you fit them better to your own situation.
Usually, I flick through books such as this one, reading the headings and getting a general gist of what it’s about. I’ll store the big idea in my head, and then the book will go on the shelf, ready for when I need to consult it in more detail.
With this one however, I surprised myself by reading it cover to cover! I put this down to the fascinating information that’s woven through the text, especially in the form of “Did You Know?” boxes.
In particular, I was intrigued to discover that some of these Victorian parlour games form the basis of well-known modern board games. And the advice on how to source and prepare your own knucklebones was some of the most unusual reading I’ve done this year!
Not everyone will like all the games in this book. For example, some families don’t approve of card games. Personally, I’m uncomfortable with games that involve a murder theme, some of which are featured.
If that’s the case, it’s probably best to keep the book out of reach of the younger members of the family, and take it upon yourself to read, learn and teach the games you do want to play.
However, there are so many games of all sorts included that I heartily recommend it for all parents to have on hand.
The back cover boasts of “Perfect Games for Ages 4 – 104”, and it’s very true. Read, learn and practice even one tenth of these games, and you’ll be well-prepared the next time anyone of any age says “I’m bored”.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, Liber Bookshop have it in stock online and can look after you. They are my local independent bookshop in Sligo town and well worth a visit if you are ever in the area!
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