About this deck: Wilhelm Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883) was a German composer primarily known for his operas, which are notable for their ambitious moral and musical themes. He wrote both the music and the librettos for all of his operas. His four-opera cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen is one of the great achievements in the history of music and theatre. This deck of playing cards summarizes the storyline of the "Ring," with each suit representing an opera: Diamonds, Das Rheingold, Spades, Die Walkure, Hearts, Siegfried, and Clubs, Die Gotterdammerung. English illustrator Sir Arthur Rackham (1867 - 1939) was awarded a 1st Class Medal at the Barcelona International Exhibition in 1911 for his illustrations from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Undine, The Ring, and The Imp of the Smoke. Rackham left behind a legacy of over 60 illustrated books including the works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, James Barrie and Lewis Carroll. He is known and beloved internationally for his work in classical fiction and children's literature. Every card in this deck features a different work of art by Arthur Rackham.