Board game:Game of Ali Baba or the Forty Thieves

J.H. Singer's late 19th century game, "Ali Baba or the Forty Thieves," based on an ancient Arabic story, contains several unique elements. Other games, based on historical literature, aboud during this period; but few represent tales from "One thousand and One Nights." And the game itself takes the form of a concentric race, something like the classic game of goose. The playing pieces are colored wooden urns--another form that figures in the story. Playing cards marked with sacks of gold make up the rest of the implements. Although the game lacks its instructions, it most likely resembles a classic race with setback penalties and points represented by the cards.