The Mainzer Losbuch

The Mainzer Losbuch is one of the earliest cartomancy texts to pair playing cards with poetic fortunes. Translated into English by Simon Piercy (the owner of this site) from the original early-modern German. The translation has been placed in the public domain, so you are encouraged to download, share, and use it without restriction.

It works as a research resource, a creative springboard for readings, and a period frame for medieval-flavoured performance.

Key benefits

• First English translation presented with the original German

• Historical source: 48 uniquely illustrated card fortunes

• Tête-bêche layout for easy switching between languages

• Translation by Simon Piercy; released into the public domain

• Available as a free PDF or a hand-bound leather book

What’s included

• PDF only: complete translation plus original German (free download)

• Hand-bound book: leather-bound volume with parchment-style paper, tête-bêche German and English text

Options

• Format: PDF or hand-bound leather book

• Leather (hand-bound): colour confirmed after purchase; contact me before buying if you have a preferred colour so I can confirm current leather options

Specs and practicalities

• Content: 48 card texts with poetic fortunes; brief historical context

• Binding (hand-bound): leather, parchment-style paper, traditional hand work

• Layout: tête-bêche (German on one side, English on the reverse)

• Availability: PDF is free; hand-bound copies are made to order

Use and inspiration

Use the fortunes as prompts for readings or as seeds for bespoke routines with German-suited cards. The language pairing lets you reference the source while speaking in modern English, and the historical framing gives depth without extra props.

Suggested add-on

16th Century German Suited Playing Cards — a natural companion if you want to echo the period feel at the table or use the book for readings.