I had to have this deck, as soon as laid eyes on it. Why? Well, considering how many fine decks there are out there, taste remains a relative issue. I won't say too much here about my taste and stylistic preferences, because such matters are far too idiosyncratic. Here is what I will say...This deck looks rich, and old.The pips are not contemporary ones.Antique backs, pips, and jokers. Cards themselves printed as scuffed, worn, aged. The back design itself reminded me of something Spanish-not neccessarily what was intended-but colors and design that evoke richness-like a deck that the Court Conjurer accidentally left behind in your castle's living room. Deck does come with a double backer, always a plus. The minor negative that came to mind is face contrast-that the faces are 'faded' and 'aged' to a point where seeing them in dim light may be trickier than a more high contrast printing. That's my nitpick, but all else here appeals to my love of old world style and charm. Simply, the deck looks magical. Price was lower than I expected. Handling...good as Bicycles always are. Besides the richness of the red, the box and back designs remind me of old carpet-or a tapestry, again, found in a castle somewhere. Perfect deck for those who's wardrobe and props have a historical flavor.