Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.
Latest Articles
Fortune Telling
• April 28, 2021 at 01:26pmFortune Telling cards by Whitman Publishing Co., 1940. Read more →
Österreichisches Trachten-quartett
• April 18, 2021 at 08:43amÖsterreichisches Trachten-quartett Nr.282 published by Ferd Piatnik & Söhne. Read more →
Round the World Happy Families
• April 17, 2021 at 09:34pmRound the World Happy Families by Chiefton Products Ltd of Bristol, c.1950s. Read more →
Geschichte des Buchgewerbes
• April 16, 2021 at 03:44pmGeschichte des Buchgewerbes illustrated by Ludwig Winkler, published by Verlag für Lehrmittel Pößneck. Read more →
So Fängt Es An
• April 15, 2021 at 07:35pm“So Fängt Es An” beautifully illustrated by M. Neugebauer, published by Helingsche Verlagsanstalt, c.1950. Read more →
La Sibylle des Salons
• April 03, 2021 at 06:34pmLa Sibylle des Salons facsimile of 19th century deck published by J M Simon, 1979. Read more →
Verkehrsmittel Einst und Jetzt
• April 02, 2021 at 10:27am“Verkehrsmittel Einst und Jetzt” transport quartet game by Bielefelder Spielkarten Fabrik GmbH, 1958. Read more →
Asterix Abenteuer
• April 01, 2021 at 05:16pmAsterix Adventure quartet game by ASS, 1989. Read more →
Vargas Girls
• March 27, 2021 at 09:45am‘Vargas Girls’ paintings by Alberto Vargas in a deck of cards published by Creative Playing Card Co Missouri. Read more →
Editor’s Picks
Playing cards have enormous educational value, with a long history and many diverse types and graphical styles from around the world... View More →
