This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
The World History of Playing Cards Across Cultures
Elmo Scott Watson traces card games from ancient arrow divination to modern decks. He notes Chinese, Japanese, Hindu origins, European spread through Italy and Germany, and the evolution of suits and face cards in France England and beyond. The piece highlights royalty, politics, and education represented on cards and cites the American card boom of the era.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elmo Scott Watson
Marco
Polo
Venice
Oathay
Italy
Arabia
Egypt
India
Europe
Johannes
Buefeld
Germany
Cologne
France
Provence
British Museum
Museum of the
United States
Cincinnati
Lancelot
Hoyter
Valery
House of Bourbon
England
Normandy
Touraine
Anjou
Poitou
Henry VII
Henry VI
Henry'a
Elizabeth
Jack
Jackanopes
Jackaneipes
James IV
Hamber
L. Hewson
Cromwell
Cerivaturists
Eingland
Ural
Adentig
Perna
America