Publisher's Synopsis
Describes the playing-cards peculiar to Spain from the earliest 14th-century records to the present day. From seemingly crude and simple woodcut designs, to florid and baroque ornamentation, to the brightly coloured modern styles of the late 20th-century, the text presents a history of the cards with a wide rang of illustrations. The 15 or so "standard" designs of Spanish cards which evolved into the patterns preferred for everyday use are systematically described and illustrated.;The development of cards traditionally outside the field of standard patterns is also described. Cards advertising various brands of chocolate constitute a major part of this group and are given detailed attention, as are cards depicitng subjects ranging from bullfighting to film stars. The text also offers insights into the mechanics and psychology of playing-card design as a whole.
