XRARE: ~1860 Handbook Of Besique - Warne's Bijou Books Series - early pinochle

Handbook Of Besique
Warne's Bijou Books Series


By J. R. W.
London, Frederick Warne and Co.

No date but ~1860's. Published as part of Warne's Bijou books series. Bezique or bésigue is a 19th-century French trick-taking card game for two players, which was imported to Britain and is still played there today (Churchill was an expert player). Some believe the game originated in Sweden and is an early precursor of pinochle.

Original gilt-stamped embossed green covers showing a hand with playing cards. 4" x 3". 95 pages. Gilt page edges. Yellow end papers.

Extremely rare - could only find one other listed online (listed at a higher price than this one)!