JQKA

May 25, 2004 11:46 AM

It's all in the cards: an interesting look at the development and design of playing cards.

Despite their global origins, playing cards are a uniquely American art form. Looking at a deck of cards provides a glimpse of social, economic, and advertising history.

posted by jazon (6 comments total)

Nice, thanks. And what a find by the author, too.
posted by carter at 12:26 PM on May 25, 2004

This is an informative article.
posted by rocketman at 12:40 PM on May 25, 2004

I absolutely love playing games with cards and enjoy reading about the history of playing cards as well. For some reason, playing cards makes the past really come to life for me - I find their role in society and history really fascinating.

I was never much of a collector, but the one souvenir I liked to get from each new place visited was a deck of playing cards. One of my favorites as a kid was a tiny deck (about 1" x 2") that fit into a small holder that fit on a keychain - I think it was from Disneyland. I had that deck for ages and ages, and always used to make sure I brought it for plane rides since the trays were too small for solitaires with regular cards. I still won't travel without a deck of cards, and I keep one in my car at all times.

Jostein Gaarder (the author of the way overrated [IMO] Sophie's World) also wrote The Solitaire Mystery, which is a really neat read if you're a card fan.
posted by widdershins at 12:49 PM on May 25, 2004

It is so easy to forget the major contributions America has made to the world. Not only these Cards but also bubmper stickers and the funny papers (comics).
posted by Postroad at 1:53 PM on May 25, 2004

Where's "The Yellow Kid" when you need 'em?
posted by FormlessOne at 2:38 PM on May 25, 2004

Thanks for the recommendation, widdershins - I'm going to pick that book up today!
posted by iconomy at 7:53 AM on May 28, 2004