Elizabeth J. Magie Phillips, known professionally as Lizzie Magie, was an American writer, feminist, game designer, and Georgist. Born in 1866, Magie was a progressive thinker who sought to use creative mediums to address the economic inequalities of her era. She is best remembered as the creator of The Landlord's Game, which she patented in 1904.
Magie designed The Landlord's Game specifically to illustrate the economic principles of Georgism, a philosophy advocated by Henry George that argued land value tax should replace other taxes to prevent land monopolization. Her game featured two sets of rules: an anti-monopolist set where all players were rewarded when wealth was created, and a monopolist set where the goal was to bankrupt opponents. The latter set of rules eventually evolved into the famous board game Monopoly.
In addition to her work in game design, Magie was an active writer, performer, and feminist who challenged contemporary gender roles. She self-published poetry and short stories, performed in theatrical productions, and worked as a stenographer. Through her diverse creative and political endeavors, Magie sought to educate the public on social justice, leaving behind a legacy tied to her innovative use of play as a tool for political education and economic reform.
