Michael Rieneck, born in 1966, lives in northern Germany. A freelance game designer and writer, he passionately works with games of all kinds. Many of his games have already been published by Kosmos. He is just as comfortable creating simple, small games, such as "Nichtlustig" ("Not Funny") as he is with his large successes, "The Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End." At the beginning of the 13th century, construction of the greatest and most beautiful cathedral in England begins. Players are builders who try to contribute the most to this cathedral's construction and, in so doing, score the most victory points. Workers may also be used to produce gold, the currency of the game. Players must strike a balance between earning gold to fund their purchases and earning victory points. KOSMOS games build social skills, stimulate logical and strategic thinking, promote visual-spatial and math skills, cultivate physical coordination and manual dexterity, encourage family time, and inspire fair-mindedness, confidence, and honourable attitudes. German engineered and beautifully made, these games become enduring family favourites and game night classics. For all these reasons, Kosmos games have earned worldwide acclaim.