Collector: Tami Chumbley Finley, Alumni MLS ‘91
Collection Name: AUTHORS -A Game for the Ages

Collector Statement:

"Years ago, I would go on antiquing trips with my friends. They were always on the lookout for items to add to their collections. I saw the pleasure they got from finding these treasures. The fun was always in the hunt. I decided that I needed to choose something that I could collect and focus on finding. While visiting friends in Connecticut in the late ‘80s I stumbled across my first vintage Authors card game. I remembered playing the game as a child, being introduced to the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Louisa May Alcott and more. Since I am a librarian, it was a perfect match. Decks contained familiar subject matter and could be easily displayed because of their small size. I was now on the hunt. Little did I know that there were so many variations to search for.

What began as a nostalgic purchase turned into a hunt for more. Over the years, I've collected around 40 versions, primarily found in antique stores, though some were gifts or eBay finds. The variations in these games are fascinating—different authors, designs, and even themes like Bible authors or nationality-specific decks. The boxes and card backs are as important as the authors and their books. The designs on many of them are works of art reminiscent of the time they were produced. Versions include adult authors as well as children’s. More contemporary versions have been produced over time. 

Recently, I bought a book highlighting over 300 editions of the game. Though my collection is modest by comparison, it’s exciting to see my pieces in the book and learn their histories.

Playing Authors is similar to Go Fish but with literary works. Each author typically has four cards representing their titles. The goal is to collect complete sets, or "books." Oddly, my siblings and friends don't recall playing it, though I vividly remember enjoying it at my grandparents’ home. Through this hobby, I’ve met another collector who has since become a dear friend. Our shared passion brought us together, and we continue to write our own story."'

Featured Collection Items:

• Famous Authors by Parker Brothers, Inc. (beige box)
• Famous Authors by Parker Brothers, Inc. 1943 (grey and navy imprint)
• Authors Card Game by Whitman Publishing #3961 1941 (black and white with red letters)
• Authors: Salem Edition by Parker Brothers, Inc. (red and black box with 3 cards showing)
• All-Fair Authors: A Card Game (red box featuring kids posed as bookends)
• Bible Authors 49c A Bible Game for All Ages by Zondervan (black with stained glass)
• Authors (features Longfellow on front with directions)
• Authors by Wilder Manufacturing Co., St. Louis (burgundy with white letters)
• Authors Deluxe by Parker Brothers 1915 (burgundy and gold)
• Game of Authors 4051 by Milton Bradley Co. (3 children on a red box)
• Game of Authors by Milton Bradley Co. #4008 (child on window bookcase)
• Bible Authors by Zondervan (gold with black letters and books)
• Longfellow Series Popular Authors
• The Improved Game of Star Authors by McLoughlin Brothers 1906
• Game of Authors (old man with two children featured)
• Game of Authors by Milton Bradley Co. #4051 (William Shakespeare at desk on front)
• Famous Authors by Parker Brothers 1943 (black and gold with stack of books)
• Household Authors by Milton Bradley Co. #4038 (author in circle with stack of books)
• Authors Card Game by Whitman #3010 (green box with Longfellow)
• Authors of the 40 Best Children’s Books (children as pirates) #153-3
• Authors: 32 Cards Educational as well as entertaining by Russell Press Ltd. 1935 #51
• Game of Authors by Whitman Publishing #3010 (Shakespeare on front)
• Authors Card Game by E. e. Fairchild Corp. #423 (black box with 2 children and 3 books)
• The Game of Authors (green with ink and feather pen)
• Authors by Fireside Game Co. Successors #1119 1897
• Card Game of Authors by Russell #153-3 (turquoise box with 2 kids and a book)
• Instructional Game of Authors (blue box)
• Authors Card Game by Whitman #4110-19 (blue box with Shakespeare 19c)
• The Game of Authors by Whitman Publishing Co. W3030
• Authors Card Game by E. E. Fairchild Corp. #423 (Louisa May Alcott on front 19c)
• Game of Authors by McLoughlin Brothers (blue box)
• Authors Card Game by Whitman Publishing #4110 (Longfellow on green polka dot box)
• Authors Card Game by Whitman Publishing (burgundy box with Longfellow on front)
• Game of Authors by Ed-U-Cards 1949 (red and white box)

Want a better look? Guests can view Tami's collection on the First Floor of Macbride Hall, just south of Iowa Hall, September 2024 - January 2025.