Political Playing Cards
Political playing cards were introduced in the 17th century providing entertainment by satirising or deriding current events and leaders. Propaganda cards, Imperial decks, war cards and even educational card games all carry a message which relates to the politics of memory, the means by which events are remembered and recorded, the way history is written and passed on. Historical memory can be used to arouse emotional reactions...
52 reasons to re-elect George Bush
“52 reasons to re-elect George Bush” political playing cards published in 2004.
Anti-Fascist cards, 1943
Satirical Anti-Fascist cards designed in 1943 by Ivan Ivanovich Kharkevich.
Anti-Fascist Propaganda Pack for the Siege of Leningrad, 1942
In 1942 a pack of ‘anti-fascist’ playing cards was designed by Vasiliy Andrianovich Vlasov mocking the rulers of Germany and the Axis powers.
Anti-Religions
Clubs represent the Russian Orthodox church, Hearts Roman Catholicism, Spades Confucianism and Diamonds represent Judaism.
Atouts de la Vie
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by Simon Wintle
“Atouts de la Vie” wartime card game created by Madame Lucien Willemetz, c.1940.
Back to the USSR
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by Simon Wintle
Back to the USSR deck featuring communist party leaders and politicians, c.1995
Bavarian Military Cards
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by Rod Starling
The King of Acorns is supposed to represent Prince Otto; the King of Leaves is Maximilian II; the King of Bells is Ludwig II; the King of Hearts is Ludwig I wearing a general's uniform.
Better drug laws now
“Better drug laws now” campaign playing cards issued by Release, United Kingdom.
British Political Images
Playing cards depicting British political images from the Bodleian Libraries.
Bush Cards – The Second Term
Playing cards slanted to the right, issued to mark George W. Bush’s second term of office.
California Total Recall Playing Cards
California Total Recall Playing Cards / Hasta La Vista, Davis!, USA, 2003.
Carel de Wagenaer
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by Simon Wintle
Facsimile edition of cards first published by Carel de Wagenaer, Amsterdam in c.1698