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
Black Peter
• February 20, 2021 at 04:10pmBlack Peter card game designed by Willy Mayrl for Piatnik. Read more →
Corrida de Toros
• February 18, 2021 at 10:49amBull fighting card game publshed by Naipes Comas, 1969. Read more →
Countries of Empire
• February 16, 2021 at 05:05pm“Countries of Empire” published by John Jaques & Son Ltd, c.1930s. Read more →
Majas Alfabets Spel
• February 14, 2021 at 01:43pmMajas Alfabets Spel beautifully illustrated by Lena Andersson, 1980s. Read more →
Gulliver im Land der Zwerge
• February 14, 2021 at 01:30pmGulliver in the Land of Dwarfs quartet published by Verlag für Lehrmittel, Pößneck. Read more →
El Gato con Botas
• February 13, 2021 at 08:09pmPuss in Boots card game manufactured by H. Fournier, 1981. Read more →
Gas Warm Homes
• February 10, 2021 at 02:08pmGas Warm Homes Happy Families game published by British Gas, c.1980. Read more →
Bass & Bass Jeu des Familles
• February 09, 2021 at 08:52pmBass & Bass ‘Jeu des Familles’ made by Franz-Josef Holler, Münich, 1989. Read more →
Gambling and Vice in the Middle Ages Blog Post
• February 09, 2021 at 12:02pmGambling and Vice in the Hours of Charles V: card-playing in the local tavern 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 →
