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The origin of playing cards is obscure, but it is almost certain that they began in China after the invention of paper.
It is likely that the ancestors of modern cards arrived in Europe in the late 1300s, and spread rapidly across the continent.
The earliest cards were created by hand, one at a time, and were thus very expensive. Woodcuts were used to produce cards
on a slightly larger scale, before the advent of modern printing. The four suits (hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs) now used
in most of the world originated in France. German suits are hearts, bells, leaves, and acorns, while Spanish and Italian decks
use clubs, coins, swords, and cups. [ more ... ]
A Brief History Of Playing-Cards
A discussion of this history of playing cards, as well as a comprehensive collection of game rules,
from the United States Playing Card Company.
Collecting English Playing Cards
Donald Welsh, founder of the English Playing Card Society, has written an excellent
article on the origins of English playing cards.
History Of Playing-Cards
The International Playing-Card Society presents a brief history of playing cards during the
past 600 years. Includes illustrations of historic cards from many countries.
Playing Card History
An articles discussing the origins of playing cards, including Anglo, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese decks.
The Introduction of Playing Cards to Europe
A brief summary of European playing-card history, from their introduction in the 1300's,
with discussions of historical references to playing cards, their appearance, and evolution.
Medieval & Renaissance Games
A web site dedicated to information about really old games, with links to articles on
playing card history and early card games.
Playing Cards, Card Games and American Culture
Laura Munley's dissertation on playing cards, playing card history,
the games that can be played with cards, and a general guide to the
rules of play for card games.
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Books About Playing Cards
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 Antique Playing Cards : A Pictorial Treasury BUY NOW $16.95 $11.53 SAVE $5.42 ! Six hundred black and white illustrations and 325 color images depict humorous and satiric representations of Bacchus, death, dancing dogs, players cheating at cards, royal coats of arms, hunting scenes, and stylized versions of the king, queen and other face cards. By Carol Belanger Grafton and Henry Allemagne.
 The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards BUY NOW $45.00 $29.70 SAVE $15.30 ! This 332-page volume (plus 24 in color) is based on Gene Hochman's The Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards which was originally published in six parts between 1976 and 1981. A complete cataloging of American playing card makers as well as details, types, and brands of playing cards from the late 1700s to the early 1930s. 2,700 black and white illustrations, 324 color illustrations, Index. This Limited edition of 500 is signed and numbered, hardcover.
 Collectible Playing Cards BUY NOW $14.95There are very few families who don't own at least one deck of cards. The hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds are a familiar sight to all of us. In fact, the use of playing cards has a rich history that dates back to the late 1300s. This volume features cards from all over the world; from the familiar format used for playing poker and bridge, to cards used by fortune tellers, to unique round packs from India. Showcasing over 400 different designs, Collectible Playing Cards takes the reader on a fascinating journey through history that spans the globe.
 Play Your Cards BUY NOW $20.00Play Your Cards! is a beautiful, full-color book featuring a wonderful selection of rare playing cards, games, and game boxes from the collection displayed in 64 full-color plates of card games dating from the Civil War to the present; Native American playing card decks painted on rawhide; the first card deck to feature a joker; examples of one of the earliest known baseball card series with playing cards (1888); Victorian Game Compendium, sterling silver card holders, and Napoleonic bone boxes made by French prisoners of war between 1790-1814. Also included are Civil War cards, hand colored tarock decks, Minchiate cards, transformation decks, and many unusual, early playing cards. By Stuart R. Kaplan.
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Prices shown are in US Dollars, and are accurate as of May 14, 2008 10:28am EDT. Please follow the links for current pricing.
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