Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards
Tom and Judy Dawson, Gene Hochman

Based on Gene Hochman's The Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, which was originally released in six parts between 1976 and 1981, this beautiful and comprehensive edition expands on and corrects the original. It is virtually a complete cataloging of American playing card makers and the playing cards they produced from the late 1700s to the early 1930s.

It covers both standard cards, designed for everyday use, as well as non-standard decks designed for a variety of commemorative and utilitarian purposes. The entries are grouped by manufacturer and provide important historical information about these companies, a description of all their brands as well as pictures of each playing card.

First Edition: Published by U.S. Games Systems, Stamford, CT in 2000. 356 pages, with 24-pages in full-color and more 2,700 black and white photographs, 8.5"x11" soft cover.