The Complete Book of Solitaire

Everyone has played basic Solitaire at one time or another, but there is a world of Solitaire enthusiasts who play every variation of the game.

In compiling this authoritative Solitaire collection of 179 variations, Pierre Crépeau took joyful inspiration from his grandmother, a noted Solitaire aficionado. The Complete Book of Solitaire is structured according to the object of each game and grouped accordingly: tableau-clearing, pile games, combination games, and building by suit, color or sequence. Each game is illustrated in color and is introduced by the author with either a personal anecdote or useful background information. Players will find many of these games highly clever, constantly changing and evolving with a host of wonderful surprises or devilish traps awaiting.

Learning the Solitaire variations is greatly facilitated by the book's numerous illustrations. Winning at Solitaire does not depend on luck alone, it takes a good memory and some strategic thinking. Here is an ideal way to exercise the mind in mathematics and the art of precision while learning the benefits of perseverance, honesty and, of course, patience.

Pierre Crépeau is an anthropologist specializing in representational systems, the arts, and popular traditions. Author of several books and a feature writer, he retired in 1991. He plays Solitaire whenever he can.