Fortune Telling playing cards

Published September 01, 2017 • Updated July 30, 2023

English Fortune Telling cards probably published c.1770.

We think that these early English fortune telling cards were published by S. Hooper, a Book and Print Publisher of various London addresses during the period 1766 to 1792, Strand, Ludgate Hill, Arundal Street, Dukes Court and Holborn. He is also known for publishing his ‘Conversation Cards’. See the Instructions►

The wording printed on each card conforms to that found in the work on the oldest cartomancy meanings in English: “Dr. Flamstead’s and Mr. Patridge’s New Fortune-Book containing their new-invented method of knowing one’s fortune by a pack of cards” published c.1729, for further discussion see Mary K. Greer's Blog - https://goo.gl/JzSWR2►

Above: cards from a pack of Fortune Telling cards, probably published in London, c.1770. The court cards are of the early style. Jacks have Fleur de Lys between their feet, black jacks feathers in their hats, king of clubs holds Cross of Lorraine, diamonds and hearts are red stencilled cards (including court cards) but excluding borders and legend. The Black Wheel of Fortune card has many pin holes in it - as it should - it is used to select the cards which then reveal your fortune. The lack of Aces is explained by the Instruction Card (Direction The First): "The conjurer being obliged to multiply the 12 signs of the Zodiac by the four seasons of the year could only employ 48 cards, was therefore commanded by the oracle of Delphos to exclude the 4 aces". However, the referenced source above does give rhyming couplets for the four aces.

REFERENCES and CREDITS

Images and notes kindly contributed by John Sings ►

Mary K. Greer: Oldest Cartomancy Meanings in English ►

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.