Facts and Speculations on the Origin and History of Playing Cards

William Andrew Chatto (1799-1864) initially was employed in the wholesale tea business. However, his real passion wasantiquarian scholarship, so in 1834, he gave up the family firm and devoted himself to writing full-time. His first work was entitled, Recollections of Fly-Fishing in Northumberland, under the pseudonym, Stephen
Oliver. He was interested in many subjects, and his varied publications reflect his diverse pursuits, including wood carving, fishing, tobacco and playing cards. In add…