Whist led to bridge-whist, which led to auction bridge, which led to contract bridge, which led, according to bridge historian Jack Olsen, to murder, divorce, suicide, mayhem, and other social evils.

- Maggy Simony, The Bridge Table, forthcoming

Since some of you have asked:  Cyn Mobley and I have been helping an 88 year old woman in Florida who is writing about the history of “ladies bridge clubs” (along with the gender food menus they created) from the 20’s to the 60’s. There are indeed murders, scandals, revolts — and also recipes. It’s quite funny. Would make a terrific play, actually…

The author plans to publish in early 2009, and I promised her I’d give her coverage on my blog.   Stay tuned!