In 1656 'Das Astronomische Kartenspiel', containing a set of playing card designs based on the astronomical constellations, was published in Nürnberg. This was created by Georg Philipp Harsdörfer, a lawyer, writer and mathematician from Nürnberg and the 52 engravings were based on a well known earlier work, the 'Uranometria' or star atlas by Johann Bayer published in Augsburg, Germany, in 1603.

The suits follow the convention used in German playing cards of that period, with Leaves, Bells, Acorns and Hearts. There are three court cards in each suit, the King, the Overknave which we now name as the Queen, and the Underknave or Jack.

Dare Published: 2011

Page number: 54

Cover type: Hardback

Illustration: Coloured by Adam McLean

Translated by: Paul Ferguson from the German

Signed by: Adam McLean

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