A fascinating and increasingly popular field for the collector is to be found in playing cards. Their history in Europe dates back 600 years, when it seems they had their origin in Italy. Such was their appeal then they quickly spread and were manufactured throughout much of Europe, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and Great Britain. The story of their arrival in America is particularly interesting as they came firstly via the Spanish sailors and later via the colonies of France and England.

One of the principal points brought out in the author's account is the great...