Playing Cards

The History and Secrets of the Pack

W. Gurney Benham

Hardback - 196 Pages

First published in 1931, this vintage book explores the history and origins of playing cards from traditional English playing cards to tarot cards and card manufacturers in Britain and Europe. Extensively illustrated and full of interesting information, “Playing Cards” is highly recommended for those with an interest in the history of playing cards. This revised edition dates from around the 1950s.

Chapters include: “Card Games”, “Preface”, “Many Theories About the invention of Playing Cards”, “The Tarot Cards”, “Varieties of the European Four-Suit Pack”, “Earliest References to English Playing Cards”, “Genesis of the English Pack”, etc.

Good pre-owned condition. Dustjacket is quite worn along top and bottom edges, but book itself is undamaged, although there is very light foxing to inside covers. Pages appear to be all intact and generally clean and flat with no serious rips or creases, but some slight yellowing from age. See photos - all photos show actual item.