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Solitaire game history - full research

The game of Solitaire has a rich and varied history. Our articles provide original research into the origin of the game, and it’s development across the globe, artwork inspired by it, it’s many names, and much more.

History

Comprehensive bibliography of Solitaire and Patience games

Das Neue Königliche l’Hombre, 1788
Assembled from various sources and extensively linked, covering the period up to the early 20th century.
History

Did Napoleon really play Solitaire?

Portrait of Napoleon as King of Italy, by Andrea Appiani
Napoleon is widely reported to have been a keen Solitaire player during his exile on St. Helena, but our research reveals a surprising truth.
History

Did Richard Canfield invent Klondike Solitaire?

Richard A. Canfield, courtesy of the Saratoga History Museum
Legend has it that famed gambler Richard Canfield invented a gambling version of Solitaire, and offered it at his gambling houses and resorts.
History

Solitaire and gambling

cards and gambling chips on table
Solitaire was possibly played for a brief time in American gambling houses, at the beginning of the 20th century. The precise game that was played, where it was played, and how it was named, has always been the subject of much speculation.
History

The artwork of Solitaire and Patience

La réussite (Solitaire), by Felix Vallotton (1912)
Delving into the numerous paintings, photographs, and other artwork inspired by the game of Patience and Solitaire.
History

The many confusing names for Solitaire

different names on white background
Why does the game of Solitaire have so many different names?
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