Knaves of Charlemagne Game

Pay homage to the history of card-playing with these old-world, woodcut illustrated cards. A 24-page illustrated rulebook includes descriptions of 12 classic card games including gin rummy, pinochle, old maid, and knaves of Charlemagne. It also gives biographical info on the legendary rulers—both historic and mythological—whose faces grace the cards. Two full decks come in a handsome wooden king of hearts box.

Every face card takes its inspiration from the work of one of France's most famous card artists from Rouen, who modeled his jacks (or knaves), kings, and queens after real royalty. In a traditional Rouen deck, the kings represented the biblical David, Charlemange, Julius Cesar, and Alexander the Great. The Queens stood for Athena, Judith and Rachel of the Old Testament, and Argine, from Greek mythology.