Author Description

A guide to collecting early English playing cards dating from the mid 1600's through to the start of the 20th century. This publication details a collection of playing cards which have been collected over many years and which reveals in full colour the evolution of the playing card design from simple wood block designs to full colour letter press printing. The publication also details how duties were applied to playing cards to raise funds for the government and the stories of a few colourful characters who looked for opportunities to avoid the payment of these duties and the consequences of their actions.