The Tarot

February 1, 2005
The origin of the tarot is a topic often clouded in mystery. There are numerous theories regarding which culture, country, and time period produced the first tarot deck. Place (Buddha Tarot), a recognized expert on the Western mystical tradition, has written a solid history of the tarot, drawing from both historical information as well as studies from various Kabalist and occult traditions that have influenced its symbology. Charts of correspondences and various illustrations of cards and ancient artwork enhance the examination of spirituality depicted in the tarot, using both ancient and modern philosophies. One entire chapter seeks to interpret the most influential tarot deck: The Waite-Smith Tarot. Place, an internationally known artist himself, has designed and/or codesigned four published decks: The Buddha Tarot, Tarot of the Saints, The Alchemical Tarot, and The Angels Tarot. This well-written book makes the rich history of the tarot accessible to even the novice tarot reader. Recommended for tarot collections in both public and academic libraries.-Kimberley Robles-Smith, California State Univ. Lib., Fresno

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2005
This may be the best book ever written on that deck of cards decorated with mysterious images called the tarot. Dozens of books provide sketchy information on the cards' history and evolution before turning more discursive on how to interpret them. Place inverts that formula. Well-researched, entertainingly written chapters begin the book with information on where the tarot comes from and how it gained so much prominence as a tool for divination. Far from developing from deeply magical sources, as many have claimed, the tarot was originally just a deck of cards used for playing games. Even at the start, however, those games included some fortune-telling. Over the course of centuries, the cards' lore was enriched by thoughtful practitioners who added cards, elaborated their meanings, and connected their imagery to mythology and dreams. At the beginning of the twentieth century, an inspired young artist, Pamela Smith, drew upon her occult training and her own visions to create the now classic Rider-Waite deck. In a comprehensively researched and passionately argued chapter, Place restores Smith to her rightful position as the genius behind the deck. That Place also offers excellent guidance to actually reading the cards makes the book that much more appealing, as a how-to as well as a why-bother.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)