Fortune-Telling Cards, c.1714 engraved pack designed for divination, in which every alternate numeral card has an astrological sphere, andthe others are filled with fortune-telling answers. The court cards are whole length figures, the Kings and Queens being the same in all four suits, although with different inscriptions. Every card has aruled offspace at the top containing the name ofan astrologer, sybil, etc., with a numeral and suitmark toindicate the value. On the Ace of Hearts is Hermes Trismagistus, on the King ofHearts Herod, on the Knave of Spades Wat Tyler and onthe Knave of Clubs Hewson, the regicide.
These Fortune-Telling cards, first published as early as 1690, were possibly the first pack of cards ever made specifically for the purpose of fortune-telling. Otherwise, previously, ordinary playing cards would have been used for the purpose. The system of fortune-telling advocated is complicated, and takes some perseverance to reach an answer to simple questions such as whether the enquirer will be happy, rich or poor in love .
These cards bear, in addition to the usual suit and number markings, figures and diagrams which can be used for fortune telling. There is a contemporary set of instructions in the use of the cards printed on two of the cards, the second of which has the address by John Lenthall, Stationer, at the Talbot against St. Dunstan Church, Fleetstreet, London.