Yesterday, Edward Copisarow of THE GAMES BOARD website emailed the following information to me via Nick Huband. It gives details of the three editions of POLEMOS that were published in the latter part of the nineteenth century, including the version that is featured in the photographs on THE GAMES BOARD website.
First EditionThere is no mention of Lt.-Col. G.J.R. Glünicke, and the name of the proprietor of the copyright is the same as the name mentioned as being the inventor of the game in the extract from the OTAGO DAILY TIMES of 1899. There is also no mention of Jaques of London, although their name is clearly visible on the box art shown in the photographs.
Polemos, The New Game of War
Entered at Stationers Hall on 14th December, 1883
Published by Thomas Roles, 14 Duke Street, Brighton
The proprietor of the copyright was David Charles Ballinger Griffith, 3 Lansdowne Place, Brighton
Published on 7th December, 1883
Second Edition
Polemos, The New Game of War
Entered at Stationers Hall on 10th May, 1886
Published by Thomas Roles, 14 Duke Street, Brighton
The proprietor of the copyright was David Charles Ballinger Griffith, 3 Lansdowne Place, Brighton
Published on 14th May, 1886
Third Edition
Polemos, The New Game of War
Entered at Stationers Hall on 15th October, 1890
Published by Henry Reason, Queens Road, Brighton
The proprietor of the copyright was David Charles Ballinger Griffith, 5 Lansdowne Place, Brighton
Published on 2nd October, 1890
I had no idea that Brighton was such a hot bed of early wargames development.... interesting.... I also note that between the second and third versions they moved next door but one - I wonder why?? .... it made sound weird, but I do find this unearthing of history fascinating!!
ReplyDeleteSteve-the-Wargamer,
ReplyDeleteI suspect that the house 'move' may well be due to a transcription error on the written records, although such moves are not that unusual.
As you say, this a fascinating hunt and I am enjoying it no end.
All the best,
Bob
I made a first attempt at writing a summary of what is different between (primarily) second and third editions, here: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1868198/different-versions-and-official-variants-polemos Will have to wait with writing a more complete review until I have actually tried to play.
ReplyDeletePlanateree,
DeleteI will read your review as soon as I can, as it sounds as if you have made real progress with identifying some of the significant developments the rules underwent.
All the best,
Bob