The Devil's picture-books

Delving into the surprisingly rich world of playing cards, this work uncovers how a simple deck earned the ominous nickname “Devil’s picture‑books” from wary Puritans, while simultaneously captivating scholars and gamblers alike. The author treats cards not merely as games but as cultural artifacts, tracing their mysterious origins and the legends that swirl around their creation.

Spanning continents and centuries, the book surveys tarot decks, Persian suits, Chinese patterns, and the colorful packs of Europe, the Americas, and even remote Native‑American tribes. Detailed chapters explore the materials, designs, and classifications of cards, complemented by vivid illustrations of rare examples—from 15th‑century French sets to Japanese weekly decks. Throughout, the narrative weaves together scholarly references, museum discoveries, and the author’s own quest to gather elusive specimens.

A blend of meticulous research and accessible storytelling, the volume invites listeners to see familiar playing cards through a new lens, revealing the hidden histories that lie beneath each familiar symbol.