For novices and longtime card collectors alike, here are two books in one: a thorough price guide featuring common to extremely rare items, and a well-researched history of playing cards and games. A wealth of mythology, literature, and history is found on playing cards. In addition to classic decks normally seen in the United States, find artistically designed European suits with, for example, Shakespearean characters on face cards. Read about the origins of some of the most popular card games, board games, and the card decks themselves. Learn how to date decks or individual cards using methods applied by dealers. This handy volume also includes tips on spotting reproductions, as well as valuable knowledge worth gaining in order to become a smarter collector.