10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Approach, May 25 2001
By "dick83" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tarot Classic (Paperback)
This book greatly assisted me in learning the tarot. It provides a simple and accurate way to learn and use the cards for divination and meditation. Also, this book offers a unique history of the cards as well as in depth explanation into the concepts of tarot reading.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best, Sep 16 2011
By Rob1767 - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Tarot Classic (Hardcover)
It is very difficult to find no-nonsense introductory books on the subject of Tarot cards, especially when it comes to their much-debated history. Stuart R. Kaplan may very well have strong opinions regarding the origins and use of these ancient treasures but, As president of US Games systems (who markets many different wonderful decks), He has good reason to remain unbiased in print. TAROT CLASSIC is by far the most uncluttered and beginner-friendly introduction to the Tarot that I have yet seen. The historical section gives many possibilities as to the origin of the cards in a matter-of-fact format, including a small chapter on the Kabbalistic signifigance of the Major Arcana. Also given are several pages of illustrations of historical decks wich I found fascinating. In the tutorial section, descriptions and definitions of each card (using the TAROT CLASSIC deck, of course) are given with mostly traditional meanings, as is proper for beginners. Several sample speads are shown and interperated to give a basic feel of actually reading the cards. Finishing this excellent volume is a very comprehensive bibliography (all from his own collection, I believe) including material from the 16th century to the present. All in all the best starter book on the Tarot Ive seen so far. Highly recommended for anyone.