The Devil's Picture-Books: A History of Playing-Cards (Classic Reprint)
Language: English
Published by Forgotten Books, 2018
- Softcover
- New

Seller: Forgotten Books, London, United KingdomForgotten Books
AbeBooks seller since June 2, 2021
Condition: New
£ 16.06
Quantity: Over 20 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Print on Demand. This book delves into the fascinating history of playing cards, tracing their origins and evolution across continents and centuries. The author explores the connections between cards and the ancient game of chess, examining their shared roots in warfare and symbolism. From the intricate Tarot decks of the Middle Ages to the simpler designs of French cards, the book reveals how the symbolism, imagery, and suits of various card decks reflect the cultures and beliefs of their respective creators. The author investigates the use of cards in different cultures, from the elaborate decks of India to the unique designs of Chinese cards. The book also explores the changing materials used to create cards, from hand-painted ivory to the ubiquitous pasteboard of today. It examines the development of wood-engraving, a key innovation in card production, and delves into the diverse names and terms used for cards in different languages. Through its meticulous examination of historical records, illustrations, and gameplay, the book provides a comprehensive and captivating account of the enduring legacy of playing cards, offering a window into the cultural and social dynamics of the past. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.…
Seller Inventory # 9780243266302_0
- Title
- The Devil's Picture-Books: A History of Playing-Cards (Classic Reprint)
- Author
- Mrs. John King van Rensselaer
- Publisher
- Forgotten Books
- Publication year
- 2018
- Condition
- New
- Book Type
- print-on-demand item
- Binding
- Paperback
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0243266308
- ISBN 13
- 9780243266302
- Seller catalogs
- Games
This volume surveys the long, colorful journey of the deck, tracing how Tarots grew from early forms into the modern packs we know. It describes how cards circulated across nations, shaped by culture, luck, and courtly taste, and how symbols changed with time and place. Rich illustrations and careful commentary illuminate the craft of card-makers, the evolution of backs and faces, and the rituals and superstitions that surrounded the game.
- Learn how different countries influenced suits, numbers, and heraldic devices
- Discover early games like Tarots, Primero, Ombre, and the rise of Whist
- See how packs were decorated, named keys, and even adapted for the visually impaired
- Read about famous players, courts, and the social world of card gaming through the ages
Ideal for readers of cultural history, decorative arts, and the playful side of everyday life.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Forgotten Books
London, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since June 2, 2021
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
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Store description
Forgotten Books’ Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the quality of the aged text.
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TradeSeller's business information
FB &c Ltd
Dalton House, 60 Windsor Avenue
London, United Kingdom SW19 2RR
Terms of sale
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books.
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
This text has been digitally restored from a historical edition. Some errors may persist, however we consider it worth publishing due to the work's historical value.
The digital edition of all books may be viewed before purchase if you request a sample.
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