Monopoly X: How Top Secret World War II Operations Used the Game of to Help Allied POWs Escape, Conceal Spies, and Send Codes

An amazing true story of World War II that reveals how British and American military intelligence successfully smuggled escape aids into German P.O.W. camps hidden inside Monopoly game boards, and also the games surprising role in espionage. Monopoly Xis the fascinating true story of what is arguably the most unusual and best-kept secret operation of World War II. The masterminds at Englands top-secret MI-9, and later Americas MIS-X, created a special version of the popular game, hiding tools, maps, and money within game boardsdelivered by fictitious charitiesto captured Allied servicemen held at gunpoint behind barbed wire in German prison camps. This ingenious and complex plot, dubbed Monopoly X, was never discovered by the Nazis and led to many successful Allied breakouts. The creation and consequences of Monopoly X remained a deep secret through the war and for decades after, until now. For the first time, Phillip E. Orbanes tells the full story of the people behind this clandestine programhow it was devised, implemented, and used to great success. A tale of derring-do as compelling as the World War II classic,The Great Escape,Monopoly Xis an amazing war story of Allied intelligence services, resistance forces in Europe, heroes and heroines, a notorious traitor, and the pivotal role a seemingly innocent board game played in secret codes and espionage. Monopoly X includes a 16-page black-and-white photo insert.