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Generation Decks: The Unofficial History of Gaming Phenomenon Magic: The Gathering
‘Who doesn’t love a story about small town dreamers who make it big? A gripping tale with a journalistic eye for how fast fortunes, and the world, change.’
Samira Ahmed, Culture journalist and Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row
The incredible true story behind the global gaming phenomenon.
Generation Decks tells the story of the mould-breaking fantasy card game, Magic: The Gathering. The brainchild of misfit maths genius Richard Garfield, Magic combines complex gameplay with collectability. When it came out in 1993 it transformed the lives of quiet braniacs who had longed for a way to connect and compete. It made millionaires of its creators, and it kick-started the era of professional gaming.
Titus Chalk tells the game’s story – from its humble origins to its continued success in today’s digital age. Prepare to meet Generation Decks, a community like no other.
‘After reading Generation Decks, I fell even more in love with the game.’
Jonathan Little, professional poker player and author
‘A fascinating insight to the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating one of the world’s most iconic card games.’
Jimmy Wong, actor, host and filmmaker
‘An enthralling tale of oddball game makers, fan obsession and big money.’
Tristan Donovan, author of Replay: The History of Video Games
‘This book will add Flying to all the cards in your memory of Magic.’
Ian Bogost, author of Play Anything
Samira Ahmed, Culture journalist and Presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row
The incredible true story behind the global gaming phenomenon.
Generation Decks tells the story of the mould-breaking fantasy card game, Magic: The Gathering. The brainchild of misfit maths genius Richard Garfield, Magic combines complex gameplay with collectability. When it came out in 1993 it transformed the lives of quiet braniacs who had longed for a way to connect and compete. It made millionaires of its creators, and it kick-started the era of professional gaming.
Titus Chalk tells the game’s story – from its humble origins to its continued success in today’s digital age. Prepare to meet Generation Decks, a community like no other.
‘After reading Generation Decks, I fell even more in love with the game.’
Jonathan Little, professional poker player and author
‘A fascinating insight to the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating one of the world’s most iconic card games.’
Jimmy Wong, actor, host and filmmaker
‘An enthralling tale of oddball game makers, fan obsession and big money.’
Tristan Donovan, author of Replay: The History of Video Games
‘This book will add Flying to all the cards in your memory of Magic.’
Ian Bogost, author of Play Anything
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
64 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 20, 2017
I saw this on Netgalley and picked it up because I used to play Magic back when I was at uni (in the mid 1990s) - not at any professional level, just sitting on the floor of my friends' rooms. So when I saw a history of the game, I was intrigued.
The book is part chronicle of the journey of Wizards of The Coast from start up to global behemoth, part memoir/love letter to the game that changed the author's life.
I hadn't appreciated just how popular the game was/is. It was fascinating reading about the ragtag beginning of it and the various commercial decisions that made it stand out from the rest of the roleplaying/table top games available at the time. The evolution of Magic:The Gathering and the evolution of the internet seem to have coincided and helped each other out.
I was particularly interested in the section about how women playing the game are treated (and how WOTC is trying to fix the gender balance at professional level). I only ever played with friends (mostly male, all of them nice), so I never really had to face the misogyny described. On the other hand, I have had the odd 'a girl in the comic book shop' moment. It's a shame that a game that embraces outcasts has created outcasts of its own.
This is an interesting book if you know about the game already. If not, it's still an interesting book about a business.
The book is part chronicle of the journey of Wizards of The Coast from start up to global behemoth, part memoir/love letter to the game that changed the author's life.
I hadn't appreciated just how popular the game was/is. It was fascinating reading about the ragtag beginning of it and the various commercial decisions that made it stand out from the rest of the roleplaying/table top games available at the time. The evolution of Magic:The Gathering and the evolution of the internet seem to have coincided and helped each other out.
I was particularly interested in the section about how women playing the game are treated (and how WOTC is trying to fix the gender balance at professional level). I only ever played with friends (mostly male, all of them nice), so I never really had to face the misogyny described. On the other hand, I have had the odd 'a girl in the comic book shop' moment. It's a shame that a game that embraces outcasts has created outcasts of its own.
This is an interesting book if you know about the game already. If not, it's still an interesting book about a business.
December 13, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Growing up in the late 1990s/early 2000s, Magic the Gathering was a pivotal part of my adolescent years. I can vividly remember purchasing our cards from the local video rental store and walking back to my father's shop, rapidly opening the packs to see what creatures we could add to our decks in the never-ending quest to become the ultimate player.
I jumped in right at the time where Ice Age was coming out and played for many years, eventually outgrowing the game around the time my junior year of high school began. However, I never really outgrew Magic. It more or less was an evolution of interests, but the game that I picked up randomly here and there years later, never truly left my heart.
When I began reading Generation Decks, I was instantly transported back to the world where creatures are cast by mana and opposing forces must be stopped. Chalk does a phenomenal job at rekindling the fire that once blazed in my heart for this game. So much so, I actually went out and purchased two decks after I finished the book, and started to jump back in.
Chalk writes this book two different ways. In one, we as the reader are invited to journey with him on his story of how Magic came into his life and despite many moves and life changes, the game still holds true to him. In another, we are told the story of how Magic first came to be, and the multitude of times it almost ceased to exist. From the early stories of Wizards of the Coast to the acquisition by Hasbro, this book has it all.
If you have ever played the game or if you still do, this book is for you. Written in a style that invokes dreams of grandeur in the reader, this book really showcases the mass appeal of the game, elaborating on its history including the tournaments and the various expansions that have come out since. Chalk knows the story he is trying to tell and delivers it like a master storyteller, completely enrapturing the reader's mind and attention.
My only critique of this otherwise beautiful, near flawless book, is that I would have loved to have seen an appendix that describes each expansion set, why it was created, the back story behind the expansion set theme, and the card highlights in that set. Perhaps, this can be added at a later date. But don't let that minor criticism distract you, this book is downright good. It is a solid, captivating story of how we all can become master Planeswalkers, with just a little bit of luck, and the right amount of mana.
Growing up in the late 1990s/early 2000s, Magic the Gathering was a pivotal part of my adolescent years. I can vividly remember purchasing our cards from the local video rental store and walking back to my father's shop, rapidly opening the packs to see what creatures we could add to our decks in the never-ending quest to become the ultimate player.
I jumped in right at the time where Ice Age was coming out and played for many years, eventually outgrowing the game around the time my junior year of high school began. However, I never really outgrew Magic. It more or less was an evolution of interests, but the game that I picked up randomly here and there years later, never truly left my heart.
When I began reading Generation Decks, I was instantly transported back to the world where creatures are cast by mana and opposing forces must be stopped. Chalk does a phenomenal job at rekindling the fire that once blazed in my heart for this game. So much so, I actually went out and purchased two decks after I finished the book, and started to jump back in.
Chalk writes this book two different ways. In one, we as the reader are invited to journey with him on his story of how Magic came into his life and despite many moves and life changes, the game still holds true to him. In another, we are told the story of how Magic first came to be, and the multitude of times it almost ceased to exist. From the early stories of Wizards of the Coast to the acquisition by Hasbro, this book has it all.
If you have ever played the game or if you still do, this book is for you. Written in a style that invokes dreams of grandeur in the reader, this book really showcases the mass appeal of the game, elaborating on its history including the tournaments and the various expansions that have come out since. Chalk knows the story he is trying to tell and delivers it like a master storyteller, completely enrapturing the reader's mind and attention.
My only critique of this otherwise beautiful, near flawless book, is that I would have loved to have seen an appendix that describes each expansion set, why it was created, the back story behind the expansion set theme, and the card highlights in that set. Perhaps, this can be added at a later date. But don't let that minor criticism distract you, this book is downright good. It is a solid, captivating story of how we all can become master Planeswalkers, with just a little bit of luck, and the right amount of mana.
October 6, 2018
As other people have pointed out, this book reads like a love letter to what the author (and I for that matter) thinks is the best game ever made. And if Torkjell would ever want to learn how to play, I would be more than excited to teach him.
June 22, 2025
almost makes me want to play magic the gathering... almost
September 2, 2018
This started out promising, and I learned a lot about the very early history of the game.
But then it diverged into a LOT of tangents about the author's own tragic backstory that only tangentially related to the game. He also abandoned a very coherent, chronological narrative to just jump all over the place. For example: Chronicles, very early in the history of this game, was only first mentioned about 80% in.
That's not to say that's wrong in and of itself, but you need to pick a style and stick with it; nothing takes me out of a book like inconsistency. I also can't stress enough how much I don't care about how hard it was for the author to get Alpha cards in New Zealand in the 90s.
There's a lot of good information here, but I feel like a more established, experienced nonfiction author could have made this that much better.
But then it diverged into a LOT of tangents about the author's own tragic backstory that only tangentially related to the game. He also abandoned a very coherent, chronological narrative to just jump all over the place. For example: Chronicles, very early in the history of this game, was only first mentioned about 80% in.
That's not to say that's wrong in and of itself, but you need to pick a style and stick with it; nothing takes me out of a book like inconsistency. I also can't stress enough how much I don't care about how hard it was for the author to get Alpha cards in New Zealand in the 90s.
There's a lot of good information here, but I feel like a more established, experienced nonfiction author could have made this that much better.
March 6, 2017
what a genuinely enjoyable read.
while i'm more of a YGO kid, MTG has always had a soft spot in my heart and when this galley was thrust on to me by our publishing rep i was really touched! also as a YGO kid, i recognize the longevity of Magic and am happy to have it still be around.
i learned a hell of a lot, and it would seem that many businesses have learned from Wizards of the Coast & Magic: The Gathering did as well.
i'm excited for this one, recommending it like crazy. i'm also hyped for a different cover.
lolz.
while i'm more of a YGO kid, MTG has always had a soft spot in my heart and when this galley was thrust on to me by our publishing rep i was really touched! also as a YGO kid, i recognize the longevity of Magic and am happy to have it still be around.
i learned a hell of a lot, and it would seem that many businesses have learned from Wizards of the Coast & Magic: The Gathering did as well.
i'm excited for this one, recommending it like crazy. i'm also hyped for a different cover.
lolz.
September 12, 2018
As a Magic Player, I was absolutely thrilled to find a book covering the history. And this is done in such a lovely, authentic way. Titus is a true storyteller!!
December 12, 2018
This book was... fun. I can’t really say much more than that about it though. Ive played magic the gathering on and off over the years, and even somewhat competitively in high school. Overall, I thought parts of it were really great, while other parts fell short.
The discussion of how the game was created was probably the most interesting part for me, and I devoured that fairly quickly. It goes through the creation of the game by a group of math students (of which I am one) at UPenn (where i have worked), and the trials and tribulations of the early wizards of the coast company. This part was an underdog story and it kept me reading, because I wanted to see how the game became what it is today. The story of how it came to market is truly awe inspiring, and should be interesting to anyone, even if you don’t know how to play the game.
I also enjoyed the later quarter of the book focusing on the modern game. It was interesting to learn about the modern pro tour and the personalities and challenges involved. Although this part may be difficult to those who are not very familiar with the game.
The middle section is where I had the most difficulty. Chalk spends a lot of time talking about the emerging personalities in the early pro tour, and I didn’t find it that interesting. Maybe it was because I didn’t know who these people were for the most part, so I had no investment in them. It was an interesting enough story for me to plow through it trying to find more interesting chapters.
The most challenging part of the book for me were the memoir sections. A large portion of the book is spent reflecting on the authors personal relationship with the game. I hate to say it but t simply was not that interesting for me. I found myself skimming through these sections, but this may be due to a distaste for memoirs in general though. If you enjoy that type of writing, this book may be for you though.
In the end, the authors passion for He game is clear and heart warming. The book is well researched and will give you a good overview of the history of the game. You will hear the testimony of many of the key actors over the years such as the creator, artists, designers, and players . I recommend it to anyone who has a good understanding of the game and has played it quite a bit. It may not be for those with only a passing interest.
Overall grade: B-
The discussion of how the game was created was probably the most interesting part for me, and I devoured that fairly quickly. It goes through the creation of the game by a group of math students (of which I am one) at UPenn (where i have worked), and the trials and tribulations of the early wizards of the coast company. This part was an underdog story and it kept me reading, because I wanted to see how the game became what it is today. The story of how it came to market is truly awe inspiring, and should be interesting to anyone, even if you don’t know how to play the game.
I also enjoyed the later quarter of the book focusing on the modern game. It was interesting to learn about the modern pro tour and the personalities and challenges involved. Although this part may be difficult to those who are not very familiar with the game.
The middle section is where I had the most difficulty. Chalk spends a lot of time talking about the emerging personalities in the early pro tour, and I didn’t find it that interesting. Maybe it was because I didn’t know who these people were for the most part, so I had no investment in them. It was an interesting enough story for me to plow through it trying to find more interesting chapters.
The most challenging part of the book for me were the memoir sections. A large portion of the book is spent reflecting on the authors personal relationship with the game. I hate to say it but t simply was not that interesting for me. I found myself skimming through these sections, but this may be due to a distaste for memoirs in general though. If you enjoy that type of writing, this book may be for you though.
In the end, the authors passion for He game is clear and heart warming. The book is well researched and will give you a good overview of the history of the game. You will hear the testimony of many of the key actors over the years such as the creator, artists, designers, and players . I recommend it to anyone who has a good understanding of the game and has played it quite a bit. It may not be for those with only a passing interest.
Overall grade: B-
January 14, 2018
I feel a bit strange giving this 3 stars on the same day I gave Ovid's Metamorphoses 2 stars. I'm not saying it's a better book. Clearly it's not, because it didn't influence thousands of years of art and society.
Yet, I suppose. There's still time.
But it was FUN. This was a book-length love letter to Magic: The Gathering, which I've played off and on since I was a kid. It is part memoir and personal history of Magic, and part history of the game itself and its effect on society.
For example, Magic: The Gathering directly influenced AND was influenced by the Internet culture of the 90s. Because it was such a popular game with the nerds who were developing the Internet, some of the early incarnations of forums were focused on Magic, and it was one of the first analog products to develop partially in reaction to its vibrant online community.
It was also the direct ancestor of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and every other collectible card-game and expansion-touting board game now. When it was created, the idea of a game where the pieces weren't all in one box, and one player could bring a whole separate deck to compete with others was entirely new, and entirely different. Like a chess game where your opponent's pieces may have completely different rules every single game, it offered far more complexity and variety than any game before it.
Plus, the competitive development of it directly influenced both televised poker, which made a big splash in the early 2000's, and the world of competitive gaming that now supports an entire surprisingly profitable entertainment industry.
It also gave me a new appreciation for the clever way in which Wizards of the Coast avoided a Pog-style fad by specifically hampering the collectible bubble that was growing, and the emphasis on game play that has made it a game that's probably MORE fun after 25 years, rather than less.
So sure. It was a big old fanboy party, and a bit overwritten at times. But if you're interested in MTG, or just interested in a case study of the gaming explosion or nerd culture, it's a very interesting book and worth a read.
Yet, I suppose. There's still time.
But it was FUN. This was a book-length love letter to Magic: The Gathering, which I've played off and on since I was a kid. It is part memoir and personal history of Magic, and part history of the game itself and its effect on society.
For example, Magic: The Gathering directly influenced AND was influenced by the Internet culture of the 90s. Because it was such a popular game with the nerds who were developing the Internet, some of the early incarnations of forums were focused on Magic, and it was one of the first analog products to develop partially in reaction to its vibrant online community.
It was also the direct ancestor of Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and every other collectible card-game and expansion-touting board game now. When it was created, the idea of a game where the pieces weren't all in one box, and one player could bring a whole separate deck to compete with others was entirely new, and entirely different. Like a chess game where your opponent's pieces may have completely different rules every single game, it offered far more complexity and variety than any game before it.
Plus, the competitive development of it directly influenced both televised poker, which made a big splash in the early 2000's, and the world of competitive gaming that now supports an entire surprisingly profitable entertainment industry.
It also gave me a new appreciation for the clever way in which Wizards of the Coast avoided a Pog-style fad by specifically hampering the collectible bubble that was growing, and the emphasis on game play that has made it a game that's probably MORE fun after 25 years, rather than less.
So sure. It was a big old fanboy party, and a bit overwritten at times. But if you're interested in MTG, or just interested in a case study of the gaming explosion or nerd culture, it's a very interesting book and worth a read.
January 2, 2018
I never played Magic. I've never even really looked at a deck or watched a game. I've walked through a room of people playing Magic, I've wandered around stores where people were huddled in the back playing, I've seen it everywhere. I'm not interested in playing Magic, but I am interested in anything that can become such a phenomenon, and take a hold of the attention and lives of so many people, and so I was intrigued by Chalk's book. While Chalk does an admirable job of explaining the basics of Magic to the uninitiated like me, it's obvious throughout that this is book for Magic lovers written by a Magic lover, and that there was entire sections that I not only lost the nuance of, but completely didn't follow. That being said though, Chalk presents a really interesting story about the people who came together to create and make the game, and the interpersonal conflicts and hardships, and business acumen that went into it. I find game construction fascinating and consider most game manufactures to be underdogs, making the triumph of this game a kind of hero story (even if there are some not so heroic moments along the way). If you're looking for a larger philosophical discussion of why Magic is a phenomenon, it's not really here. This is, as the title makes clear, a history, and an interesting one at that.
August 12, 2023
I grew up with Magic: the Gathering, and probably spend more time reading about than actually playing the game these days. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but what I found was a charming and engaging biography of the game (including its creators, the company itself, and the player community), combined with some personal history of the author.
In this book, the focus was deeper on the earlier years of the game, which is also where my memories are primarily, so this book really worked for me as history and nostalgia. For Millennials or younger, it may be a bit more a work of history.
This book is not a history of competitive Magic decks or tournament reports, although there is some mention of those things. If you want more of a technical history of the game's formats and metagame, don't look here. That's OK with me, but my son was disappointed to not get that kind of depth.
The only other problem with the book - it stops in 2017! Here's hoping for a second edition ("Revised Edition", with white borders?) that will fill in the more recent history.
In this book, the focus was deeper on the earlier years of the game, which is also where my memories are primarily, so this book really worked for me as history and nostalgia. For Millennials or younger, it may be a bit more a work of history.
This book is not a history of competitive Magic decks or tournament reports, although there is some mention of those things. If you want more of a technical history of the game's formats and metagame, don't look here. That's OK with me, but my son was disappointed to not get that kind of depth.
The only other problem with the book - it stops in 2017! Here's hoping for a second edition ("Revised Edition", with white borders?) that will fill in the more recent history.
December 10, 2018
I bought this book interested in the origins/creation of the game, Magic: The Gathering. What I got was a bloated biased "history" of Magic the Gathering. The actual history is talked about in 1/3 to 1/2 the book. The rest of the book is filler about former magic players and the author's feelings and experiences with the game. The book would have been great if he had just focused on the history and given an in-depth look at the creation of Magic and Wizards of the Coast. The author also seems to think that Magic is the greatest thing ever invented and has even caused the popularity and mass use of the internet. While I will agree that the game is one of the best ever created, it has not had the impact the author insists it has. If you're wanting to read this to learn about the creation of the game, do yourself a favor and stop reading after Hasbro buys the company.
September 24, 2021
A fascinating look at how the ubiquitous game came to be and the wider effects that it's had on the "geek" community.
While I appreciate the use of the author's personal history to contextualise the wider cultural effects of Magic, I do find them to be self-indulgent in places.
The latter half can be tricky to follow with breaks in chronology that sees you whipping back-and-forth in the timeline of the game's history. While it might have made for a better "narrative" I don't think it plays to the strengths of the story of this game.
Overall, I found it quite enjoyable as somebody who has always identified with "nerd culture" but having never really jumped into the Magic: The Gathering universe.
While I appreciate the use of the author's personal history to contextualise the wider cultural effects of Magic, I do find them to be self-indulgent in places.
The latter half can be tricky to follow with breaks in chronology that sees you whipping back-and-forth in the timeline of the game's history. While it might have made for a better "narrative" I don't think it plays to the strengths of the story of this game.
Overall, I found it quite enjoyable as somebody who has always identified with "nerd culture" but having never really jumped into the Magic: The Gathering universe.
October 21, 2025
Given to me by a friend I made over Magic while trudging the pathways of an encamped Beacon Hill Park. We played many many games over our lunches. Even occasionally had park workers sit and ask questions about the game.
I host weekly commander nights at my home with a diverse group of friends I made through D&D and have known for over ten years now.
I was first introduced to this game through Innistraad draft (first commander deck (mono-black vampires) I borrowed from a friend and eventually bought all the cards to make my own).
The game has changed a lot over the last few years. I can't say I like all of those changes but the best part of this game, as intended from the very beginning, is I get to play and interact with it on my own terms.
Thank you Titus. Genuinely.
I host weekly commander nights at my home with a diverse group of friends I made through D&D and have known for over ten years now.
I was first introduced to this game through Innistraad draft (first commander deck (mono-black vampires) I borrowed from a friend and eventually bought all the cards to make my own).
The game has changed a lot over the last few years. I can't say I like all of those changes but the best part of this game, as intended from the very beginning, is I get to play and interact with it on my own terms.
Thank you Titus. Genuinely.
June 3, 2019
3.5 rounded up. Interesting stuff if you have fond memories of MtG from any point in your past, or have an interest in geek history (usually that means reading about old computers). Before reading this I hadn’t realised just how big Magic is, pretty much anything about its history, or the idea that Wizards itself was a precursor to the dot com culture and successes.
I get some readers might not be interested in the author’s personal story and the role of Magic in it, but I like memoirs, so didn’t mind.
The book does drag a bit in the second half unfortunately, and the chronology seems a bit out of whack, which makes it get a bit repetitive.
I get some readers might not be interested in the author’s personal story and the role of Magic in it, but I like memoirs, so didn’t mind.
The book does drag a bit in the second half unfortunately, and the chronology seems a bit out of whack, which makes it get a bit repetitive.
December 29, 2024
The story of Magic: The Gathering, Richard Garfield's brilliant/evil idea to combine the randomised gambling of trading cards with a playable game.
There's some interesting stuff in here, but I felt I had to dig for it. The author speeds through the creation of the game, but spends a long time talking about early players and the Pro Tour; weaves in chapters about his own experience with Magic (apologies, but they're boring AF); and jumps around so much that nobody not already familiar with the game would be able to place the events in a coherent timeline. He also struggles to situate Magic in the broader gaming culture, giving it both too much influence in some areas and not enough in others.
I hope somebody writes the definitive history of Magic before the major players start dying off (Garfield is in his 60s now). It deserves to be told in a better way than this.
There's some interesting stuff in here, but I felt I had to dig for it. The author speeds through the creation of the game, but spends a long time talking about early players and the Pro Tour; weaves in chapters about his own experience with Magic (apologies, but they're boring AF); and jumps around so much that nobody not already familiar with the game would be able to place the events in a coherent timeline. He also struggles to situate Magic in the broader gaming culture, giving it both too much influence in some areas and not enough in others.
I hope somebody writes the definitive history of Magic before the major players start dying off (Garfield is in his 60s now). It deserves to be told in a better way than this.
December 13, 2023
To my magic the gathering friends…don’t even try to check out this extremely dry book on the card game I know many of you know and love…
In addition to lacking an index and any kind of engaging story, it seems to lack the “magic” of the source game itself (as well as decent commentary on its origins and art)…focusing most of the book on 90s events which i question if they are remembering accurately…
I don’t even wish to recognize this book by bothering to write a review.
I’m open to hearing a rebuttal, but I tried really hard with this book…
In addition to lacking an index and any kind of engaging story, it seems to lack the “magic” of the source game itself (as well as decent commentary on its origins and art)…focusing most of the book on 90s events which i question if they are remembering accurately…
I don’t even wish to recognize this book by bothering to write a review.
I’m open to hearing a rebuttal, but I tried really hard with this book…
February 12, 2024
The author gives a fascinating account of Magic: The Gathering’s rise from the basement of its creators to the multi-million dollar IP it is now. Mr. Chalk deftly weaves the stories of the creators, players, artists, entrepreneurs, fans into a multi-POV narrative that lends itself well if translated to a series. That puking person in the toilet of the Pro Tour? That’s actually the subject in one of the chapters. If only the editor/s reigned in some of his rather self-indulgent chapters about his relation with Magic, this would rate higher.
January 24, 2021
The book was a bit of a railcoster. Some pieces are really nice described and the story is engaging, but at some points it's lost in details. There is no continues flow. I was biased to give 3 stars, but some pieces that touch me and brough back memories even from my early engagement with Magic make decided for the 4. As a on-off magic player for almost 20 years, this was a quite informative book.
January 18, 2026
Titus Chalk embeds his and his fellow player's deep love for the game of Magic: The Gathering into this book. The book worked best for me when it explored the creation and development of the game, but my interest greatly waned when the book focused on the players and tournaments. The writer also goes on several random tangents of his personal life and gameplay that did not resonate strongly with me.
July 23, 2019
This book is ok. There are a lot of cool factoids about Magic which I loved reading. But the book is like a dozen Wikipedia pages glued together. It didn't flow. The chapters didn't relate. And I wasnt very interested in the author's personal experience with Magic which comprised every other chapter of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
Great contextual look at a game I’ve recently learned to play and love. I share many of Tusk’s sentiments throughout the book and have invited many friends, people who you would never think would play Magic, to our table to play. This is definitely a must read for anyone who is curious about the origin story of the card game.
June 12, 2021
It's a great book as long as you skip the autobiographical chapters. And also I must note I knew most of the facts presented in the book, but it'd surely be better for someone with less knowledge about the game's history.
February 21, 2025
Loved this book. Told a great story of the history of magic the gathering both as a thing itself and did a great job exploring the checked past of the competitive side of things. Would recommend to any magic the gathering player.
January 13, 2018
Decent overview of the game's history including many things I did not know. Too much of the author's history made it seem part autobiography, though, for me to thoroughly enjoy it.
April 11, 2019
2 and a half
Goes into too much detail into famous players' lives, parts about the game and the company are interesting though,
Goes into too much detail into famous players' lives, parts about the game and the company are interesting though,
January 14, 2020
A bit too long, the timeline jumps back and forth making it hard to follow, and a bit too memoir.
Other than it's a good story of the early days of the game!
Other than it's a good story of the early days of the game!
February 1, 2020
Meh ... Interesting story but clunky writing.
July 4, 2022
well told and genuine
The books is brimming with the authors own love and manage to tell both the history of the game as the stories it has created.
Thanks!
The books is brimming with the authors own love and manage to tell both the history of the game as the stories it has created.
Thanks!
October 4, 2022
Trisha finished. Took me a year and a half to finish this book and I even skipped some parts.
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