The New Game of Human Life

John Wallis and Elizabeth Newbery were booksellers based in the City. They also jointly published many children's educational table games like this one. In this period educational games were usually based on the concept of a race to the finish. The game would be played using a teetotum and counters. Dice were not used owing to their association with gambling. The game was intended to teach children moral lessons for adult life.

Life is illustrated in 84 annual stages beginning in infancy and ending with 'The Immortal Man'. The age of man is divided into seven periods. Such games usually illustrated male life but female children were also encouraged to play. The publishers describe the game as 'the Most Agreeable and Rational Recreation ever Invented for Youth of Both Sexes'. It was designed for children to play with their parents who could offer additional moral instruction at each stage. French and German versions of this game also appeared.