Playing Cards of the World
A Collector's Guide
by Kathleen Wowk
Hardback (No longer our product)
(July 1983)
ISBN: 9780718824082
7.8 x 10 inches
Price: $62.00
In stock
A fascinating and increasingly popular field for the collector is to be found in playing cards. Their history in Europe dates back 600 years, when it seems they had their origin in Italy. Such was their appeal then they quickly spread and were manufactured throughout much of Europe, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and Great Britain. The story of their arrival in America is particularly interesting as they came firstly via the Spanish sailors and later via the colonies of France and England. One of the principal points brought out in the author’s account is the great diversity found in playing cards. They reflect the traditions of many countries and vary greatly in style, size, numbers, shape, artistry, colour and usage. In addition to thestandard packs used for gaming, there are a host of non-standard packs which usually have a secondary purpose such as to educate or to publish political or religious propaganda. The chapter on tarot cards is of special interest. The origin of these cardsis obscure and because of their hidden meanings they are sometimes referred to as the ‘magical tarot’ cards. Thematic ideas for a collection are discussed as well as the preservation and presentation of packs. The author additionally gives valuable hintsabout where to obtain packs, collector’s societies to join and the various printing techniques used for playing cards. There is also an extensive bibliography, and over 290 playing cards are illustrated, including 123 in full colour. Colourful and pictorial, playing cards present a kaleidoscope of artistry and a study of history in minuscule. In this one volume, the enthusiastic collector will find all the information they need to know.
- By (author) Kathleen Wowk
Similar Books
Soft Seats and Blisters
Zur Geschichte von Parkways, Panoramastrassen, Trails und Wanderwegen in der Hochmoderne
Volume 30
From the Motor City to the Mediterranean
Travels of a Truck, a Sedan, and an Inquisitive Photographer, 1924-1926
Volume 18
Identity, Commodification and Revolution
Tourism and the Transformation of Society, Politics and Space in Cuba
Volume 168
Shifting Horizons
Observations from a Ride Through the Syrian Desert and Asia Minor: A Translation of Johannes Elith Ostrup's 'Skiftende horizonter'
Volume 1
Adelbert von Chamisso: Die Tagebücher der Weltreise 1815–1818
Edition der handschriftlichen Bücher aus dem Nachlass. Teil 1: Text. Teil 2: Kommentar
Aufbruch in eine neue Epoche
Vergangenheit und Zukunft im Bericht des Nurnberger Arztes Hieronymus Munzer uber seine Westeuropareise 1494/1495
Paris et Londres en miroir
Lettres de voyage extraites du Babillard de Jean-Jacques Rutlidge
Volume 63
