Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot: A Journey Through the History, Meaning, and Use of the World's Most Famous Deck (Llewellyn's Complete Book Series, 12) Paperback – September 8, 2018

Sasha Graham's book, The Complete Book of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, is the definitive book interpreting the best-selling tarot cards designed by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite. Each card is given a thorough and lively investigation with Kabbalistic, astrological, and scholarly research. The quotes of Pamela and Waite at the beginning of each chapter reveal their poetic visions in the design of each card, illustrating the authentic voices guiding the creation of this unique, world-famous tarot deck. Ms. Graham intersects the historical background of each tarot card and their symbolic meaning, then lays out a primer, detailing how to use them. With large illustrations examining each card, Ms. Graham's book includes 78 spreads for different configurations in an entertaining, easy-to-use guide. The Complete Book of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot is the only book you will need as a new reader learning how to read the cards or as an experienced reader looking to own the definitive dictionary in your library.

There have been many books written on how to interpret tarot and I have bought and read many highly recommended ones. Most books written of course refer to the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, the tarot that almost every other tarot deck in existence is based on. The problem with most of these books is that the interpretations are subjective and varied. Finally, I found a book, THIS BOOK, that actually does a very good job of interpreting the tarot as the creators of the actual deck meant it to be interpreted. The pictures as they were originally drawn are explained by the author in a way that actually matches the image on the cards and the intent of the original creator. After reading this book, I also now understand why other cards are drawn differently. For example, why is the original chariot card not shown moving? Why do most modern versions of the chariot show movement? If you really want to understand the tarot, I can't think of a better book to read and own. This in combination with any book by Joan Bunning and you have all the knowledge you need to read tarot.

If you read Tarot this book is a masterpiece ! You need it in your library. I love it so much I have it in BOTH print and Kindle format. In a fun and enlightening way, this book will lead you on a journey that explores the history of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and then further explores Golden Dawn mysticism, Numerology, Astrology, Qabalah and its connection to Tarot. It also includes detailed explanations devoted to each one of the seventy eight cards. Sasha Graham has crafted a text that is equally thoughtfully researched as well as entertaining to read.

This Tarot book provides the mystical framework for understanding the Tarot as was likely intended by Arthur Waite. It includes the Kabbalistic, astrological, esoteric, yogic, and divinatory significance of each card. A worthy history of the cards is provided along with the Golden Dawn society to which Waite belonged when he initiated work on the Tarot. Graham is to be commended for including so much information on the cards' artist, Pamela Coleman Smith. Without a doubt, it was her talent and inspiration that radiates through each card. This book also includes instructions for reading the cards and 78 helpful spreads. The inclusion of a concise symbol dictionary is a much-appreciated bonus!

A more modern worded interpretative read to explain each card. I would read this book if you are starting out. But also I recommend that you read some older books on tarot cards to get a broader feel from a different historical mindset as well. This has alot packed in it. Worth buying as a part of your collection.

All you could ever want to know from the background history of the original illustrator Pamela Coleman Smith and the creator of the tarot deck Arthur Waite. Is an enticing beautiful read written in a personable format by the author and researcher Sasha Graham. Each of the 78 card depictions is highlighted with various examples from other historical tarot decks for comparison with images. (especially the 22 Major Arcana section) There is a small directory of 78 spreads of various configurations to round out this stellar tome of a book with 486 pages index included. My only minor quip is that the images are in black and white versus full color.

it's such a good book. they go into detail about the history of the deck and the philosophies behind the imagery and concepts of the deck. If you're looking for one tarot book to rule them all, it's this one! though who wants just one book? it's pretty big, not the kind of book that's easy to read on the subway, it's definitely a table book. but it's worth every pound.

This is a very comprehensive book with great explanations, interpretations and sample layouts.Highly recommend to anyone wanting to understand & learn more about this brand of Tarot.