Children's card games have been enjoyed for centuries but no one knows who invented these games. There is a reference to children playing cards in Italy in 1393 A.D., but no mention as to what card games they played. Card games designed specifically for children's amusement and education did not appear until after the mid-18th century. One of the most popular of these games was "Authors." In the mid-1700s, English writer, Edmond Hoyle, wrote the first book of card rules. Even today, when the phrase "according to Hoyle" is used, it means "to play strictly by the rules."
Fun Fact: Did you know that there are over 350 versions of Solitare?
Instructions for the following games are included: Authors, Concentration, Crazy Eights, Go Fish, Hearts, I Doubt It, Klondike (Solitaire), My Ship Sails, Old Maid, Rummy, Snap and War.
For more information on the history of cards, please see the historical background for our Early American Playing Cards (3010).
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