How many books can you name in which the characters play cards? I immediately recall scenes in Jane Austen novels of characters whiling away time playing whist.

I was recently reviewing a rom-com, I.O. U. by Kristy Marie, which features playing cards as a touchstone to the MMC. Later, looking up photos of playing cards for a mood board, I came across literature-themed playing cards.

Well, that was a rabbit hole I jumped down.

A bookish lifestyle is lived in the details. For your enjoyment, I present a selection of literature-inspired playing cards. May they bring joy to your game night!

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Agatha Christie references playing cards throughout her oeuvre. This blog, Agatha Christie and Playing Cards Revisited, goes into detail for those interested in this deep dive.

Thinking of giving this as a gift? I suggest pairing the cards with this on theme tea and reading journal.

As we know, Alice encounters anthropomorphic playing cards while in Wonderland, so this is an apt adaptation. Below are three very different interpretations of Alice’s adventures on playing cards.

There are too many amazing versions of Alice in Wonderland playing cards to just showcase one. 

Even the box is gorgeous on this set of Beowulf-inspired playing cards.

Taking cues from Austen herself, period romance Bridgerton is no stranger to playing card drama.

It was the best of times, it was the cutest of playing cards. These illustrations by Barry Falls are just too adorable!

Game of Thrones mentions the card game Gwent, and people cheating at dice and cards. Try to play fair with these stunning cards.

Both playing cards and Tarot cards (for Divination) are featured in the Harry Potter series. Here is a beautiful set of Gryffindor playing cards. There are related card sets for each additional Hogwarts House.

Lots of nods to playing cards in the James Bond series! Can’t have a Casino Royale without a few decks of cards. But are any so pretty?

As previously mentioned, Austen often used playing cards as a plot device. One fellow blogger gets into it in this blog: Card Games in Jane Austen Novels

I couldn’t resist featuring a few Jane Austen sets because they are so different! Can’t fit Austen fans in just one box!

Okay, this fun deck isn’t directly about a single book or author, but aimed at readers and library lovers. So if you are having trouble choosing just one to align with, this might be more your speed 😄

I haven’t read the Mistborn series (let me know if you think I should!) These playing cards have amazing illustrations hidden inside this rather simple box. I’d take these cards out of the box and display the unique art! 

Cards, dice, and gambling are certainly a part of this world. How are we feeling about the TV series actors as faces on books and merch? Do you prefer your imagined versions, or are you happy to let Hollywood casting seep into your bookish displays?

Princess Bride playing cards? As you wish.

The aged look of this deck box, the colors, and the typography all set a tone. If this is your jam. I suggest a bookshelf vignette, pairing the deck with this beautiful edition of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood and this cool bronze finish statue.

Playing cards are mentioned in some of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Specifically, the term “rubber” in The Redheaded League refers to a set of games played in card games like whist, and whist is mentioned again in The Empty House.  Elementary, my dear Watson. This playfully illustrated deck belongs in your collection.

“You are playing some crooked game of your own, Master Gandalf.” Thorin refers to a card game or some other form of gambling. Crooked game or no, these cards are luxuriously illustrated.

The characters in Three Musketeers engage in card games for entertainment and gambling, and the cards themselves are used to reflect the social setting and character dynamics of the time. This deck is another instance in which the cards’ beauty far outweighs their simple enclosure!

I know you’ve seen the hype about the new Wicked film. Maybe you’ve seen the Broadway production. But have you read the book? I hope so.

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Shakespeare mentions playing cards in his plays, referencing card games and card-playing terms. He refers to games like Noddy, Laugh, and Lie Down. He also alludes to One and Thirty, a precursor to Blackjack.  But buying these beautifully illustrated cards is not much of a gamble.

Feeling nostalgic? Pooh Corner and the Hundred Acre Wood call you home through this deck of cards.

Playing cards are not mentioned in the Baum classic. These cards have beautiful vintage-style illustration that calls to mind the charm of the original tale.

No playing cards in the Chocolate Factory, but these cards are sweet nonetheless. Also, check out this amazing collectible edition made by an Etsy Artisan – the book looks like it’s wrapped in gold foil!

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Whether you are looking to style the cards for display in your own home or to upscale a bookish gift, consider these fine choices:

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What deck would you choose?

Would you play with them, display them, or gift them?

May your life be as full as your bookshelf and as long as your TBR list.

Happy Reading!