Rois de France
Figures from French history restyled for a younger audience published by Quelle Histoire, 2015.
History as told to children doesn’t have to involve “dumbing down”; however, that does appear to be the case here. The childlike, cartoon-style images of what the publishers consider to be France’s four greatest kings and their consorts are clearly aimed at a younger audience. In fairness, the designs are in keeping with other educational products from the same publisher. No dates or biographical information are provided so presumably one has to purchase another product from the publisher to find out more. Fleurs-de-lys feature prominently in the back design. Though well printed, the cards are not on proper playing-card board. See the box►
Above: Rois de France educational playing cards for younger audience, published by Quelle Histoire and made in France by LabelFab, 2015. 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + 1 extra card in tuck box. Size: 55 x 84 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022 • Contact
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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