SINGER, SAMUEL WELLER. Researches into the History of Playing Cards. London, 1816. SINGER, SAMUEL WELLER. 1783-1858. Researches into the History of Playing Cards. London, By T. Bensley and Son for Robert Triphook, 1816. 4to (261 x 196 mm). Title page printed in red and black. 11 engraved, and 8 color woodcuts, woodcuts within the text, some on india paper, plus 2 additional hand colored plates titled, 'Origine des Cartes A Jourer,' illustrating and describing the four face cards and the ten; the Kings noted as Alexandre, David, Cesar and Charlemagne for clubs, spades, diamonds and hearts respectively & 'Notice Historique et rasionnee des Noms donnes aux Cartes,' the latter plate highlighted in gold. Some browning and offsetting. Contemporary black straight grained morocco, spine and covers gilt, all edges gilt. Extremities rubbed. FIRST EDITION limited to 250 copies. Samuel Weller Singer was a noted scholar of Elizabethan literature and history, but he is best remembered for this pioneering treatise on card games. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing