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This is an in-depth research into the history of playing cards, with many beautiful black and white engravings, and eight hand-colored woodcuts. The list of subscribers states that 250 copies were printed, though some bibliographers claim only 150 were actually printed.  The first section discusses the origins of playing cards and shares examples of oriental cards. The author states that the history of playing cards is so intimately connected with the art of engraving on wood, it follows that the second section is about the xylographic and typographic arts.