Post: #1

Found a copy of an early game manual dated to year 1925 and written by "Mr. X". I have the translated Finnish version but I suspect the original was either written in Germany or Sweden. I found it rather interesting to compare the situation back then and now. Here's some quotes as translated by yours truly:

Quote:...In order for a man to succeed with women, he must be able to please them. Women must notice that he is "swift" and interesting. A man who is silent and sulky will never succeed with the weaker sex, although being handsome.

...Men must absolutely be superior to women with their intelligence, this is what the women want from men.

Quote:How to conquer a woman.
...Women's character demands that men pay attention to her. She demands she is taken into account and that men are polite towards her. This pleases her and she will always value a gentleman who can play polite [in public]. Politeness is the key to conquering women. Too much of anything will corrupt anything. Excess politeness will look ridiculous. It will make her smile and man can never look ridiculous in her eyes.

[List of acts of politeness that can be done for a woman without looking ridiculous]

Quote:On looks.
...I recommend all young men to become what is called a real man. Women will like this. Yes, they will demand that a man has muscles and fists to defend her. Women know they are weak. This is the reason she will demand that a man must be strong.

There are two things in a man that will please a woman: beautiful, shiny hair and white, strong teeth. These are the two things that one must not neglect.

[List of proper clothing]

Post: #2

A few years later and nothing has changed much

Post: #3

Human nature does not change. The principles will at all times be the same. There is truely nothing new under the sun. As avant garde and progressive as people think they are and that history is inexorably marching towards some kind of utopia where man transcends his nature and lives in harmony(communism) the stark reality is that the same people that are alive today were alive in the time of Shakespeare and King David and Gilgamesh.

Post: #4

More:

Quote:Intelligence and knowledge.
Intelligence is power. A gentleman who has both intelligence and knowledge will be always favored by women.

...Women can be conquered very easily by using mere intelligence. A handsome but rude man has little change [of conquering a woman].

...It is preferable to master a small talent, such as to able to sing beautifully, to dance well, to play a piano or a violin etc.

Quote:A gentleman.
...When having a conversation with a woman, never put your hands in your pockets or cross the arms on your chest. The arms must hang on your sides or at the back.

Gentleman must always come up with an interesting topic to discuss with a woman and make sure that the discussion does not die.

...One must never let the first expression of a girl to you to fall on love with her. Never!

Post: #5

What is the name of this guide? How many pages is it? Is there an English version? I'm interested in the history of Game.

That's one of the earliest ones I've heard about. Some of the early books I've seen tell a man how to write love letters.

Post: #6

Could you translate the lists for us? I'm interested in seeing them. I wonder how his style matches up with G.

Post: #7

(01-20-2013 10:45 AM)brianmark Wrote:  What is the name of this guide? How many pages is it? Is there an English version? I'm interested in the history of Game.

I do not know the name of the original version but the Finnish version is called Kuinka mies onnistuu naisten kanssa [How does a man succeed with women]. I tried finding the name of the original from Worldcat.org but without success.

There are 23 numbered pages. The text does mention that hand-kissing is not practiced "in this country" but it could also be an addition by the Finnish translator.

(01-20-2013 10:45 AM)teh_skeeze Wrote:  Could you translate the lists for us? I'm interested in seeing them. I wonder how his style matches up with G.

Clothing:
Walks: Pea coat, soft hat [i.e. felt hat], colourful scarf.
Small entourage: Morning dress, black scarf.
Large entourage: Smoking, black scarf.
Sport event: Sport coat.
Dinner: Evening dress, black scarf.
Wedding: Evening dress, white scarf.
Dance: Evening dress, white scarf.
Theater: Evening or morning dress, black scarf.
Funeral: Evening dress, silk hat, black scarf.

Acts of politeness:
1. Picking an item dropped by the woman.
2. Opening a door to her.
3. Walking before her up the stairs.
4. Helping to put on her coat.
5. Walking after her down the stairs.
6. Letting her to be seated to a car before you.
7. Finding a seat for you and her in a theater.
8. Walking next to her on the side of the street that is closer to the car lanes.
9. Standing behind her seat when having a conversation in an entourage.
10. Offering your seat to her when she is coming to a room without free seats.

Post: #8

(01-20-2013 07:58 AM)Luomu Wrote:  How to conquer a woman.
...Women's character demands that men pay attention to her. She demands she is taken into account and that men are polite towards her. This pleases her and she will always value a gentleman who can play polite [in public]. Politeness is the key to conquering women. Too much of anything will corrupt anything. Excess politeness will look ridiculous. It will make her smile and man can never look ridiculous in her eyes.

[List of acts of politeness that can be done for a woman without looking ridiculous]

The only thing that has changed.

WIA

Post: #9

This is fascinating. If you could translate it all it would be very interesting to read.

Post: #10

(01-20-2013 03:10 PM)Teedub Wrote:  If you could translate it all it would be very interesting to read.

Too much effort for me, but I will try to provide the best parts of each chapter.

Quote:On strength.
Nothing will effect a woman better than physical strength. A powerful man is always his ideal partner.
... Therefore all kinds of physical exercises are recommendable you each and every men. However, do not over exercise. Do not let yourself to become a "sport maniac" who does nothing else than exerceises from morning until evening. ...two times a week is enough.

Quote:On choosing a partner
When choosing a partner, one should not merely look for beauty but also is she loyal, modest, likes to stay at home and "economical".

Choosing one is not easy. Most men will prefer beautiful wife. However, this can be dangerous as usually it is that beauty and smart do not meet.

If the parents are good, decent and resposible, then there are some guarantees that the daughter has learned proper manners. ...

The final six pages are about why men should bond marriages, the proper age difference between the man and the woman (man should not be more than 8-9 years older), ideal husband etc.