About the Author

Cynthia Giles is the author of The Tarot, a Simon & Schuster book.

Reviews

"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"

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"