The Penguin Book of Patience

The Penguin Book of Patience was published in 1979 as part of an effort by Penguin Books to catalog and preserve traditional card games that were beginning to fade from popular consciousness. David Parlett, a highly respected games scholar and inventor, compiled this collection to provide a rigorous and scholarly resource for solitaire enthusiasts. By moving away from the simplified rules found in general hobby books, Parlett sought to document the historical variations and nuanced playstyles of classic patience games with a high degree of precision.

The design and approach of the book reflect Parlett's background in game theory and history. Rather than focusing on luck or casual play, the text emphasizes the strategic elements of each game, offering clear, methodical instructions alongside historical context for each entry. The volume was well-received by game enthusiasts and critics alike for its clarity and authority, ultimately establishing itself as a standard reference work for those interested in the formal study and practice of solitaire card games.