English version of Die Welt der Spiel Karte Edition Leipzig, 1972 . This comprehensive survey of the history of playing cards from 16th through the 20th century includes examples from China, India, Persia, Japan and Turkey as well as Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. It contains numerous black & white and color illustrations, information about important museum and private collections, and a bibliography. C.S.V. Salt translated the German text with assistance from Sylvia Mann. vi , 96 pages, plus 96 pages of plates. cloth, dust jacket, original cardboard slipcase.. 4to..