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alongreader's review
4.0
This is a beautiful, really well presented book. It's going to be in hardback, with coloured illustrations, and it's going to look absolutely amazing.
I'm a relatively recent tarot fan, and this was great as it gives an overview of the history of tarot in a light, fresh style, then shows a lot of the major decks of recent years. The cards chosen to show off give a great overview of each deck. Holly and Esther clearly deeply love and understand the art of tarot and of these decks.
I love the spreads at the back to try, and the fascinating evolution of tarot over the last four hundred years. I also really liked that it takes in the three main schools of tarot, rather than focusing mostly on one. It's great to see them all get their chance. The blurb says there's a cheat sheet on the card meanings; it may be a pullout in the physical book, but it isn't in my ebook proof version. I'm sure it's great though; the authors have shown such insight in other parts of the book.
I love this. My deck wishlist has just about doubled, and I'm going to be coming back to this for a while (or hopefully getting a physical copy to leaf through!) This is a great read if you have any interest in the history, or just want to look at the fantastic images. Gorgeous.
I'm a relatively recent tarot fan, and this was great as it gives an overview of the history of tarot in a light, fresh style, then shows a lot of the major decks of recent years. The cards chosen to show off give a great overview of each deck. Holly and Esther clearly deeply love and understand the art of tarot and of these decks.
I love the spreads at the back to try, and the fascinating evolution of tarot over the last four hundred years. I also really liked that it takes in the three main schools of tarot, rather than focusing mostly on one. It's great to see them all get their chance. The blurb says there's a cheat sheet on the card meanings; it may be a pullout in the physical book, but it isn't in my ebook proof version. I'm sure it's great though; the authors have shown such insight in other parts of the book.
I love this. My deck wishlist has just about doubled, and I'm going to be coming back to this for a while (or hopefully getting a physical copy to leaf through!) This is a great read if you have any interest in the history, or just want to look at the fantastic images. Gorgeous.
mrshood's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Fun keepsake explaining the history of tarot (though Robert Place does it more in depth but this was a good intro) - and they cover many historic and contemporary decks. Loved the plethora of images and the easy to follow layout. Beautiful book.
annarella's review
5.0
It was an interesting read as one usually knows about the meaning of the single tarot card but the story behind it's usually unknown.
I appreciated this well researched book, learned something new and I think it would be great in hardcover.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I appreciated this well researched book, learned something new and I think it would be great in hardcover.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
opheliafeyre's review
5.0
Book Review: 'The History of Tarot Art - Demystifying the Art and Arcana, Deck by Deck' by Holly Adams Easley and Esther Joy Archer.
Genre: Divination, Tarot and Spirituality
Publisher: Epic Ink / Imprint of, Quarto Publishing Group
Release Date: 30th November, 2021
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.]
Video review on Youtube: https://youtu.be/p4fPDpZBBJo
About the Authors
This beautiful book was created by two authors: Holly Adam Easley and Esther Joy Archer. They are also known as @hollyenchanted and @celestialesther on Instagram.
Esther Joy Archer started working with tarot in her late twenties as a tool for self-empowerment. She is a tarot reader, deck creator, collector and educator. She lives with her husband, dogs and collection of reptiles in South Korea, where she also teaches at an elementary school.
Holly Adams Easley was introduced to tarot by a nun and she too studies, collects and reads tarot cards. She is an academic advisor by day.
The ladies have a weekly podcast called Wildly Tarot which is where inspiration for this book came from.
About the Book
The book comes in a hardback case; it’s beautifully presented. Inside, on the back cover, there are little pockets that contain 24 tarot cards. The blurb on the back sums up everything about what comes with the book:
“Guided by Holly Adams Easley and Esther Joy Archer, hosts of the popular Wildly Tarot podcast, this deluxe collector’s book provides a fresh look at the influence of tarot from its beginnings to today. The elegant slipcase, removable Sola-Busca tarot cards, and illustrated fold-out timeline with important dats in tarot development make this package a must-have for any tarot fan.
The History of Tarot Art shows how tarot morphed from a fiftieth century card game to a popular modern activity. Learn more about the stories behind the art of tarot’s most influential decks, like Rider-Wait-Smith and Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, as well as the female artists whose work was often overshadowed in their time.
The History of Tarot Art also takes a close look at the Visconti, Sola-Busca, Tarot de Marseille, Aquarian, Morgan-Greer, Motherpeace, Cosmic, Druidcraft, Wild Unknown, and Deviant Moon decks, alongside dozens of contemporary decks. The book also provides tips for doing your own tarot readings and a cheat sheet on the meanings of the Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth and Tarot de Marseille cards.
Both longtime tarot practitioners and newcomers to the practice are sure to find fascinating new insights in this retrospective.”
My Thoughts
Just looking at the cover of the book made me excited - all the different art styles and depictions of the cards. If you didn’t have a wish list of tarot decks before, then you definitely will after reading this book.
I wasn’t sure how the book was going to be organised at first, but they’ve organised it by the tarot decks they look at. A chapter for each deck. I did think they would look at A LOT of decks, but they have been quite specific in the decks they’ve chosen to focus on. Like it said in the blurb, they are tarot decks that have been influential through-out history. The last chapter focuses on ‘contemporary decks’ which features a lot of tarot decks. As they say, it’s now a lot easier for artists and creators to independently publish their work and tarot decks.
For each deck they have included: the date it was created, where it was created and the creator. This adds a lot to the organisation of the book as it starts with the oldest decks working up to today. You can see how and where tarot developed through history, from Italy and France, in mainland Europe, to England and then they focus on decks created in America. The way it is organised is really great because it allows you to follow tarot, and how it changed and evolved within society; through the context in which the decks were created.
It’s widely believed that tarot, as a card game, originated in Italy, so the 'Visconti' tarot was the first in the book; it is one of the oldest decks, if not the first. I’ve always wanted an Italian tarot deck, because that’s where it is thought to have originated, and I have Italian heritage. Apparently there is not a complete surviving 'Visconti' deck so I’m not sure if it would be possible to get a reproduction of the deck in full? The authors mention that the devil, the tower, the knight of coins and the three of swords are the cards missing to form a complete deck, yet some people have created their own interpretations. It was something I wanted to look in to, but then I moved on to the next deck in the book, the 'Sola-Busca' tarot, and I just loved the art work of that so much more. I was set on finding a reproduction of that deck. See what I mean about a tarot wish list?
Although, as the authors mention in the book the very early decks were most likely created for the card game tarocchi rather than for divinatory purposes. But this brings me onto one of the great things about the book - the history. Now obviously it’s in the title, but they are exploring the history of tarot through the tarot decks they look at. Tarot has a really mysterious history; it’s difficult to pin down and actually determine where it all started. The authors have put together an almost definitive history. I say ‘almost’ definitive because even they admit when there is something that cannot be proven. One of the things I appreciated was their acknowledgement of alternative theories and that there are some things they cannot be hundred percent sure about. If not a definitive history, it is definitely a comprehensive one.
Moving on to the more well known decks they looked at, I loved the way they explored the influence of the 'Rider-Waite-Smith' deck. They focused on Pamela Coleman Smith who was of course the artist behind the recognisable images on the tarot cards. They stress how important it is that she gets the recognition she deserves for this tarot deck, because it is her images that have stood the test of time and are still recognised over one hundred years later. I realised while reading this chapter how terrible it is that I still don’t have copy of this deck! (Another one for the wish list.)
One deck that I was particularly interested in reading about was the 'Motherpeace' Tarot. It was one that I had come across previously, but wanted to know more about. I loved the idea of a feminist deck from the eighties. However, there was a lot more to the history of this deck and the art depicted. The authors dealt with some of the problematic elements of this deck really well. They were able to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of the deck within the context in which it was created and released, however they also addressed the problematic aspects of it, such as cultural appropriation and hints of racism that today’s audience would’t be able to look past. Therefore, this was a deck that I originally wanted to add to my collection, but now I don’t think I will. It may be nice to have from a tarot history perspective, but I don’t think it would be one I would be called to use for my own divination. This was one of the occasions where the ‘you might also like’ section came in really handy. After each deck they look at, they feature one or two decks that are similar or may have been influenced by the deck. I was completely drawn to the ‘Dark Days Tarot’ which is a feminist deck. Although it is a more modern deck (not from the 80’s) it really stood out to me. Another for the wish-list.
It was SO great to see 'The Wild Unknown' tarot deck featured. It was my first ever tarot deck; the deck that introduced me to tarot. I remember seeing the images and being so intrigued by it. I, like many other people, felt a connection to the images, and for me it was also the fact that it didn’t have a human component. The images featured animals and other elements from nature. The authors mention in the book, and one of the things I love most about this deck; it is open to personal interpretation. It made me realise how much I love this deck and just how important and influential it has been for contemporary tarot readers.
I hope you can tell at this point that I found the book seriously interesting. It’s not just the history I appreciated, but the detail and depth they go to. Esther and Holly have done some serious research. They explore so much more than the art on the cards. They look at influences such as: family politics, the occult and esoteric and even fashion that tarot has been influenced by and that it has influenced. I really want to share so much of this book with you, but obviously I can’t do that. However, I think that shows how interesting it is - I was fascinated the whole way through!
I feel like the book has deepened my understanding of tarot, not just through the history, but where the art has come from; where it started. We all know the 'Rider-Waite-Smith' deck as a definitive tarot deck. It’s seen as the original; the ultimate in tarot art, but even that was influenced by what came before it. 'Rider-Waite-Smith' was a deck of the early 20th century but it takes inspiration from decks of the 1400’s. It makes you appreciate the art work a lot more knowing the inspiration and original thoughts behind it and I think it will add depth to a lot of tarot readers readings.
Obviously, one of the best things about the book is the tarot artwork and that it collects some of the most important art featured on tarot cards. It is all stunning. Personally, I found that I prefer the more contemporary images and designs, but I understand and appreciate the beauty and detail of the older decks.
In terms of criticism, (you know I hate saying criticism because it sounds so harsh) I would have loved it if it came with a full 'Sola-Busca' deck. I understand there are probably reasons that it didn’t have the full deck, but I feel like it needed a full deck. There are twenty-four cards from it, and that’s nice and all, but I just think, 'what am I going to do with twenty-four cards?' You know? I need a full deck.
I’ve mentioned that I loved all the art and tarot history, but there was a chapter that I didn’t find all that interesting. It was the chapter on the 'Druidcraft' tarot. I’m not sure what it was, maybe that the art style, but the tarot deck just didn’t appeal to me. It didn’t really feel like a particular significant deck to me. I think people will enjoy the chapters about decks that they like, which seems obvious.
Similarly, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the inclusion of the 'Deviant Moon' tarot. I have seen it around a lot, particularly on Instagram. It is definitely a striking deck, but I just don’t like it. In the book the author’s say they have included it as it was a ‘darker’ tarot deck that opened up tarot to people who appreciate more shadowy and macabre things. Which I definitely do! They say it’s a cross between Tim Burton and Salvador Dali. Now, I love Tim Burton, and I love Salvador Dali - but if this is a combination of them both I don’t like it. For me, I think there are better ‘dark’ or more macabre tarot decks that are better. However, that is just a personal preference.
As I mentioned earlier they do offer a quick glimpse of more contemporary tarot decks that have hit the market in recent years, and obviously this is an area that is going to change quickly, therefore this section will not always be up to date. But for me, it is the history that really makes this book.
Towards the end of the book they also include: a timeline, and few cheat sheets for card meanings, information about getting started in tarot reading and tarot spreads. The timeline is a nice addition but I feel like the other bits are not really necessary. I can understand why they may have included them, but if you are interested in tarot reading then books specifically dedicated to it would be more useful.
Lastly, something I don’t usually mention is, the paper and book itself. It’s all really great quality. The book is big and very sturdy and the paper is great quality. This makes the images of the tarot art so much better. You get to see all the details and vibrant colours.
Final Thoughts
Anyone with an interest in tarot will love this book. If you are a tarot enthusiast or tarot reader, whether reading cards for yourself or others, I would say it’s a must read! It offers so much about the history of tarot and how we read tarot today. It puts in to perspective how far tarot, as a divination practice, has come. It will add another level of depth to your understanding of tarot. Even if you are just looking at the images in the book you can get so much from it.
I love that the author’s reiterate how tarot is not something that is set in stone; it’s a practice that allows interpretation and personal intuition. It is open to everyone; there should be no gatekeeping. So, if you have an interest in tarot, but didn’t feel like you were someone who could read tarot, just know it is for everyone and anyone! You don’t have to have any special skills or knowledge to be able to start or pick it up. This book is definitely a lovely introduction to the history of tarot.
The final thing I will say is how much I loved this book. I read it in one afternoon/evening. I started reading it one afternoon and just wanted to keep reading. I stayed up until after midnight to finish it.
Genre: Divination, Tarot and Spirituality
Publisher: Epic Ink / Imprint of, Quarto Publishing Group
Release Date: 30th November, 2021
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.]
Video review on Youtube: https://youtu.be/p4fPDpZBBJo
About the Authors
This beautiful book was created by two authors: Holly Adam Easley and Esther Joy Archer. They are also known as @hollyenchanted and @celestialesther on Instagram.
Esther Joy Archer started working with tarot in her late twenties as a tool for self-empowerment. She is a tarot reader, deck creator, collector and educator. She lives with her husband, dogs and collection of reptiles in South Korea, where she also teaches at an elementary school.
Holly Adams Easley was introduced to tarot by a nun and she too studies, collects and reads tarot cards. She is an academic advisor by day.
The ladies have a weekly podcast called Wildly Tarot which is where inspiration for this book came from.
About the Book
The book comes in a hardback case; it’s beautifully presented. Inside, on the back cover, there are little pockets that contain 24 tarot cards. The blurb on the back sums up everything about what comes with the book:
“Guided by Holly Adams Easley and Esther Joy Archer, hosts of the popular Wildly Tarot podcast, this deluxe collector’s book provides a fresh look at the influence of tarot from its beginnings to today. The elegant slipcase, removable Sola-Busca tarot cards, and illustrated fold-out timeline with important dats in tarot development make this package a must-have for any tarot fan.
The History of Tarot Art shows how tarot morphed from a fiftieth century card game to a popular modern activity. Learn more about the stories behind the art of tarot’s most influential decks, like Rider-Wait-Smith and Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, as well as the female artists whose work was often overshadowed in their time.
The History of Tarot Art also takes a close look at the Visconti, Sola-Busca, Tarot de Marseille, Aquarian, Morgan-Greer, Motherpeace, Cosmic, Druidcraft, Wild Unknown, and Deviant Moon decks, alongside dozens of contemporary decks. The book also provides tips for doing your own tarot readings and a cheat sheet on the meanings of the Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth and Tarot de Marseille cards.
Both longtime tarot practitioners and newcomers to the practice are sure to find fascinating new insights in this retrospective.”
My Thoughts
Just looking at the cover of the book made me excited - all the different art styles and depictions of the cards. If you didn’t have a wish list of tarot decks before, then you definitely will after reading this book.
I wasn’t sure how the book was going to be organised at first, but they’ve organised it by the tarot decks they look at. A chapter for each deck. I did think they would look at A LOT of decks, but they have been quite specific in the decks they’ve chosen to focus on. Like it said in the blurb, they are tarot decks that have been influential through-out history. The last chapter focuses on ‘contemporary decks’ which features a lot of tarot decks. As they say, it’s now a lot easier for artists and creators to independently publish their work and tarot decks.
For each deck they have included: the date it was created, where it was created and the creator. This adds a lot to the organisation of the book as it starts with the oldest decks working up to today. You can see how and where tarot developed through history, from Italy and France, in mainland Europe, to England and then they focus on decks created in America. The way it is organised is really great because it allows you to follow tarot, and how it changed and evolved within society; through the context in which the decks were created.
It’s widely believed that tarot, as a card game, originated in Italy, so the 'Visconti' tarot was the first in the book; it is one of the oldest decks, if not the first. I’ve always wanted an Italian tarot deck, because that’s where it is thought to have originated, and I have Italian heritage. Apparently there is not a complete surviving 'Visconti' deck so I’m not sure if it would be possible to get a reproduction of the deck in full? The authors mention that the devil, the tower, the knight of coins and the three of swords are the cards missing to form a complete deck, yet some people have created their own interpretations. It was something I wanted to look in to, but then I moved on to the next deck in the book, the 'Sola-Busca' tarot, and I just loved the art work of that so much more. I was set on finding a reproduction of that deck. See what I mean about a tarot wish list?
Although, as the authors mention in the book the very early decks were most likely created for the card game tarocchi rather than for divinatory purposes. But this brings me onto one of the great things about the book - the history. Now obviously it’s in the title, but they are exploring the history of tarot through the tarot decks they look at. Tarot has a really mysterious history; it’s difficult to pin down and actually determine where it all started. The authors have put together an almost definitive history. I say ‘almost’ definitive because even they admit when there is something that cannot be proven. One of the things I appreciated was their acknowledgement of alternative theories and that there are some things they cannot be hundred percent sure about. If not a definitive history, it is definitely a comprehensive one.
Moving on to the more well known decks they looked at, I loved the way they explored the influence of the 'Rider-Waite-Smith' deck. They focused on Pamela Coleman Smith who was of course the artist behind the recognisable images on the tarot cards. They stress how important it is that she gets the recognition she deserves for this tarot deck, because it is her images that have stood the test of time and are still recognised over one hundred years later. I realised while reading this chapter how terrible it is that I still don’t have copy of this deck! (Another one for the wish list.)
One deck that I was particularly interested in reading about was the 'Motherpeace' Tarot. It was one that I had come across previously, but wanted to know more about. I loved the idea of a feminist deck from the eighties. However, there was a lot more to the history of this deck and the art depicted. The authors dealt with some of the problematic elements of this deck really well. They were able to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of the deck within the context in which it was created and released, however they also addressed the problematic aspects of it, such as cultural appropriation and hints of racism that today’s audience would’t be able to look past. Therefore, this was a deck that I originally wanted to add to my collection, but now I don’t think I will. It may be nice to have from a tarot history perspective, but I don’t think it would be one I would be called to use for my own divination. This was one of the occasions where the ‘you might also like’ section came in really handy. After each deck they look at, they feature one or two decks that are similar or may have been influenced by the deck. I was completely drawn to the ‘Dark Days Tarot’ which is a feminist deck. Although it is a more modern deck (not from the 80’s) it really stood out to me. Another for the wish-list.
It was SO great to see 'The Wild Unknown' tarot deck featured. It was my first ever tarot deck; the deck that introduced me to tarot. I remember seeing the images and being so intrigued by it. I, like many other people, felt a connection to the images, and for me it was also the fact that it didn’t have a human component. The images featured animals and other elements from nature. The authors mention in the book, and one of the things I love most about this deck; it is open to personal interpretation. It made me realise how much I love this deck and just how important and influential it has been for contemporary tarot readers.
I hope you can tell at this point that I found the book seriously interesting. It’s not just the history I appreciated, but the detail and depth they go to. Esther and Holly have done some serious research. They explore so much more than the art on the cards. They look at influences such as: family politics, the occult and esoteric and even fashion that tarot has been influenced by and that it has influenced. I really want to share so much of this book with you, but obviously I can’t do that. However, I think that shows how interesting it is - I was fascinated the whole way through!
I feel like the book has deepened my understanding of tarot, not just through the history, but where the art has come from; where it started. We all know the 'Rider-Waite-Smith' deck as a definitive tarot deck. It’s seen as the original; the ultimate in tarot art, but even that was influenced by what came before it. 'Rider-Waite-Smith' was a deck of the early 20th century but it takes inspiration from decks of the 1400’s. It makes you appreciate the art work a lot more knowing the inspiration and original thoughts behind it and I think it will add depth to a lot of tarot readers readings.
Obviously, one of the best things about the book is the tarot artwork and that it collects some of the most important art featured on tarot cards. It is all stunning. Personally, I found that I prefer the more contemporary images and designs, but I understand and appreciate the beauty and detail of the older decks.
In terms of criticism, (you know I hate saying criticism because it sounds so harsh) I would have loved it if it came with a full 'Sola-Busca' deck. I understand there are probably reasons that it didn’t have the full deck, but I feel like it needed a full deck. There are twenty-four cards from it, and that’s nice and all, but I just think, 'what am I going to do with twenty-four cards?' You know? I need a full deck.
I’ve mentioned that I loved all the art and tarot history, but there was a chapter that I didn’t find all that interesting. It was the chapter on the 'Druidcraft' tarot. I’m not sure what it was, maybe that the art style, but the tarot deck just didn’t appeal to me. It didn’t really feel like a particular significant deck to me. I think people will enjoy the chapters about decks that they like, which seems obvious.
Similarly, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the inclusion of the 'Deviant Moon' tarot. I have seen it around a lot, particularly on Instagram. It is definitely a striking deck, but I just don’t like it. In the book the author’s say they have included it as it was a ‘darker’ tarot deck that opened up tarot to people who appreciate more shadowy and macabre things. Which I definitely do! They say it’s a cross between Tim Burton and Salvador Dali. Now, I love Tim Burton, and I love Salvador Dali - but if this is a combination of them both I don’t like it. For me, I think there are better ‘dark’ or more macabre tarot decks that are better. However, that is just a personal preference.
As I mentioned earlier they do offer a quick glimpse of more contemporary tarot decks that have hit the market in recent years, and obviously this is an area that is going to change quickly, therefore this section will not always be up to date. But for me, it is the history that really makes this book.
Towards the end of the book they also include: a timeline, and few cheat sheets for card meanings, information about getting started in tarot reading and tarot spreads. The timeline is a nice addition but I feel like the other bits are not really necessary. I can understand why they may have included them, but if you are interested in tarot reading then books specifically dedicated to it would be more useful.
Lastly, something I don’t usually mention is, the paper and book itself. It’s all really great quality. The book is big and very sturdy and the paper is great quality. This makes the images of the tarot art so much better. You get to see all the details and vibrant colours.
Final Thoughts
Anyone with an interest in tarot will love this book. If you are a tarot enthusiast or tarot reader, whether reading cards for yourself or others, I would say it’s a must read! It offers so much about the history of tarot and how we read tarot today. It puts in to perspective how far tarot, as a divination practice, has come. It will add another level of depth to your understanding of tarot. Even if you are just looking at the images in the book you can get so much from it.
I love that the author’s reiterate how tarot is not something that is set in stone; it’s a practice that allows interpretation and personal intuition. It is open to everyone; there should be no gatekeeping. So, if you have an interest in tarot, but didn’t feel like you were someone who could read tarot, just know it is for everyone and anyone! You don’t have to have any special skills or knowledge to be able to start or pick it up. This book is definitely a lovely introduction to the history of tarot.
The final thing I will say is how much I loved this book. I read it in one afternoon/evening. I started reading it one afternoon and just wanted to keep reading. I stayed up until after midnight to finish it.
bloodravenlib's review
3.0
Quick impressions: This book looks at the history of art in Tarot through 12 Tarot decks. The book takes us from the Middle Ages to modern times, featuring a good sampling of decks over time. Each deck gets a chapter in the book.
(Full detailed review available on my blog soon.)
(Full detailed review available on my blog soon.)
pinocchionline's review
5.0
Libro super carino che illustra l'evoluzione di diversi mazzi di tarocchi e le loro ispirazioni. Particolarmente interessanti gli insight sui mazzi pop che propongono foto di personaggi che han fatto da muse ispiratrici.
Inoltre, per ogni mazzo ce n'è almeno uno suggerito sulla stessa linea.
Per chi studia i tarocchi secondo me è una chicca, insegna a trovare le simbologie comuni
Inoltre, per ogni mazzo ce n'è almeno uno suggerito sulla stessa linea.
Per chi studia i tarocchi secondo me è una chicca, insegna a trovare le simbologie comuni
ampersammich's review
5.0
I've been looking forward to this book for more than a year now and was not disappointed. Loved the pullout timeline and the tarot example cards as well. This book is both well written and illustrated. I learned so many new things and was thrilled to do so. It is written with great historical tie ins without coming off as dry. Is a fantastic read for someone who has been in love with tarot for years and I can imagine would be perfect for someone new to the practice. This is not just a great book but a beautiful one that is like sliding a piece of art onto your shelf or coffee table.
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