http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=210009

And here's some ancient history:

http://thebiggamehunter.com/games-one-by-one/checkered-game-...

I remember playing an edition that was probably early '80s, and being really struck by the fact that there were three different kinds of points - wealth, fame, happiness - which you often had to trade off against each other, and any of which could net you a victory. I think that was the first time i played a game like that.