Playing cards, though still affordable, may not be for long, considering their availability on eBay and other online auction services. The listings on these sites for playing cards at times exceeds 10,000, putting the hobby in line with such collectibles as Coca-Cola, dolls, bottles, furniture, shot glasses, and Star Wars. This handy guide provides the most comprehensive listings to date along with current market values on popular collectible playing cards from the later nineteenth century to the present, with a focus on advertising. There are over 1,600 listings along with hundreds of photographs. Soft drinks, beer, NASCAR, sports, casinos, airlines, cartoons, restaurants, colleges, department stores, and other hot categories of cards are featured in this comprehensive guide.

Over 900 elaborate, decorative images from rare playing cards, 14th20th centuries: Bacchus, death, dancing dogs, hunting scenes, royal coats of arms, players cheating, much more. "

Based on Gene Hochman's The Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards which was originally published in six parts between 1976 and 1981. A complete cataloging of American playing card makers as well as details, types, and brands of playing cards from the late 1700s to the early 1930s.

Shrouded in mystery for centuries, the origins of American Playing Cards have continued to eluded us - UNTIL NOW! Journey back in time and discover the fascinating story of the early manufacturers. Retrace the steps of some of NEW YORK'S first influencers and businessmen. See the monumental events that shaped one of the country's favourite pastimes. PAPER EMPIRES reveals the undiscovered story of the United States Playing Card Industry as it follows four of its first, most iconic print masters. New research has provided volumes of never-before-seen images and information. These discoveries have cast light on the historical narrative behind the card makers and placed them front and centre during the most intriguing times of the 19th century. PAPER EMPIRES EXPLORES: THE MANUFACTURERS and their untold, chronological biographies. VISUAL HISTORICAL SECTIONS that show the amazing backdrop of American History. PLAYING CARD SECTIONS containing vibrant and high quality images of every deck. HISTORIC MAPS to authentically retrace the many locations of their businesses. PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION giving an inside look at their lives and families. FULL-SIZE IMAGE GALLERY featuring many high quality images. VOLUME I contains the complete histories of L I COHEN, ANDREW DOUGHERTY, SAMUEL HART, JOHN J LEVY. See the cultural significance of EARLY AMERICAN PLAYING CARDS and discover the prestigious past that belongs to the popular brands still in use today. Once you meet the makers, you'll never look at playing cards the same way again.

"For centuries, people living in Appalachia have used homemade playing cards for fortune-telling and dream interpretation. This tradition has arisen over many generations of backwoods conjurers, 'grannie witches,' and 'yarb doctors'. Here, the author has created a fortune-telling deck fashioned after the folklore, superstitions, and dream symbols that he grew up with in Western North Carolina"