Raconte-moi les Cartes – Christian Rouleau – Limited Edition Book (Signed & Numbered) – Playing Card History

A rare and beautifully produced limited-edition book, Raconte-moi les cartes is a playful yet scholarly journey through the world of playing cards, created by French historian Christian Rouleau — one of France’s leading experts on card history and divinatory decks.

Printed in only 300 copies in 2021, each book is hand-signed and individually numbered by the author. AntiqueArcana acquired the last remaining units directly from Mr. Rouleau himself — we currently hold 4 signed & numbered copies, all from his personal reserve.

This large-format illustrated “primer” unfolds as an A-to-Z exploration of playing cards: kings, queens, symbols, legends, historical decks, the origins of suits, cardmakers like Grimaud, and the cultural evolution of card games from the Middle Ages to today.
Beautiful full-page plates showcase treasures from Rouleau’s private collection — one of the finest in France.

🔹 Format: Hardcover book
🔹 Size: approx. 25 × 31 cm (Italian landscape format)
🔹 Pages: 64
🔹 Language: French
🔹 Edition: Limited to 300 copies — each copy signed & numbered
🔹 Condition: Brand-new and pristine (direct from the author)
🔹 Authenticity: One of the final copies available on the market

🪶 Collector’s Note

Signed, numbered copies of Raconte-moi les cartes are exceptionally scarce. With only 300 printed — and most already in private libraries — this edition has quickly become a modern reference for historians, museums, and collectors of rare playing-card literature.

My shop's location is in France.
▲ Tracking number will be provided.
▲ Order processing Time: 2-5 business days.
▲ Delivery Time: 7 days to 5 weeks+ — (USA: average 10–14 days)
▲ NO REFUNDS due to shipping delays. Please, kindly DO NOT PURCHASE if you cannot give it 5+WEEKS
▲ Vintage items are typically over 20 yrs old. Please, DO NOT expect them to be new.

If you have any questions, you can always reach me at rolandfabre@gmail.com