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
Nederlands Stedenkwartet
• May 13, 2021 at 05:24pmNederlands Stedenkwartet with heraldic needlepoint patterns by Permin, c.1970. Read more →
XIXth Century
• May 03, 2021 at 04:45pmThe XIXth Century published by John Jaques & Son, c.1875. Read more →
The ‘Rinker’ Snap
• April 29, 2021 at 07:19amThe ‘Rinker’ highly amusing snap game, c.1910. Read more →
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 →
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 →
Sections
Playing cards are the foundation of modern casino games. Try one today at TitanPoker.