The Tarot: History, Mystery and Lore

In this fascinating exploration of the Tarot, Cynthia Giles deftly traces the origins, meanings, and uses of Tarot cards through the ages. Whether you are just beginning to explore the realm of the Tarot of have spent some time with these mystical cards, you will be both entertained and enthralled by "The Tarot: History, Mystery, and Lore."

Publisher: Prentice Hall (a Pearson Education company)

Published: United States, 1 October 1994

Format: Paperback, 256 pages

Age Range: 15+

Other Information: Illustrated

Dimensions: 15.2 x 1.5 x 22.9 centimeters (0.27 kg)

Writer: Giles, Cynthia

ReviewsGiles, a tarot card reader and a student of Jungian psychology, views the tarot deck as a map of the archetypal realm of the imagination, a symbolic language capable of representing almost any human situation, and a therapeutic tool that operates on rational, psychic and metaphysical levels at once. But this confusing study does not effectively demonstrate how the tarot reader accomplishes any of the above. It does provide a colorful history of the tarot, however, which apparently began as a 15th-century Italian card game and later became overlaid with associations to fortune-telling, magic, alchemy, Kabbalism, Jungian theory and, more recently, to goddess-worship and shamanism. Giles examines surrealist artists' use of tarot imagery, presents woolly speculations on the new physics'' and includesquantum exercises for Tarot readers,'' a consumer's guide to tarot decks, tips on the use of tarot in self-analysis and an annotated listing of tarot-related books and periodicals. Illustrations. (Aug.)

This excellent work traces the history, legends, and stories surrounding tarot cards. The origin of these cards tarot are lost. Consequently, the tarot has generated a wealth of speculation and pseudotruths. Giles, a reader, teacher, and consultant on the tarot, gives a fascinating precis of its history from the first mention in 1450 to modern times. In addition, the role of the tarot as a way of knowing is effectively examined. This is not a guide for using tarot but a literate study of the history, foundation, and uses of the cards. There is a list of the different kinds of decks available as well as a resource list. The thoroughly annotated bibliography, based on the author's personal preferences, is very good. Highly recommended.-- Gail Wood, Montgomery Coll. Lib., Germantown, Md.

"A fascinating history, scholarly and readable at once...Excellently researched, entertainingly and compellingly written."-- "Booklist"
"A first rate read from a first-rate scholar and writer, this book is sure to remain a standard for years to come."--Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Recovering the Soul
"One of the ten Tarot books I wouldn't do without...Offers explanations for How Tarot works, taken from pscyhology and the new physics without discounting a truly metaphysical dimension."--Mary K. Greer, author of Tarot for Your Self, Tarot Constellations and Tarot Mirrors
"This excellent work traces the history, legends, and stories surrounding tarot cards... In addition, the role of the tarot as a way of knowing is effectively examined. Highly recommended."-- "Library Journal"