1 / 7TASCHEN Tarot: The Library of Esoterica, 520-page visual history
TASCHEN’s Tarot: The Library of Esoterica is a 520-page illustrated history arranged around the Major and Minor Arcana. It brings together more than 500 cards and artworks, essays and a guide to reading the cards, so it suits readers seeking a visual and cultural survey rather than a standalone tarot deck.
At a glance
- Covers the Major and Minor Arcana in the sequence of the 78 cards.
- Features more than 500 tarot cards and works of original art, according to the listing.
- Includes excerpts from Éliphas Lévi, Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, a foreword, a card-reading guide and an essay on oracle decks.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines card imagery with historical and cultural context, rather than presenting illustrations alone.
- The card-by-card arrangement offers a structured way to browse different interpretations across eras.
- Includes essays and a reading guide alongside the visual material.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | TASCHEN |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 29 Jun. 2020 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 520 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-3836579872 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17 x 24 x 1 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes this as a visual history and compendium, not as a tarot deck. The stated contents do not establish that cards are supplied for readings.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in tarot history, symbolism and artistic interpretations.
- Collectors or art-book readers looking for an illustrated overview spanning historical and contemporary work.
Less suited to
- Anyone primarily seeking a playable tarot deck or a practical guide without extensive visual and historical content.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
89% 89% - 4 stars
7% 7% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights detailed content, plentiful card illustrations, striking visuals and interesting essays, with favourable comments about the book’s design and collectability. Readers also describe it as informative for following how card depictions have changed over time. Those reported strengths align with the listing’s emphasis on art and history, which makes it more suited to browsing and study than to buyers seeking a deck for readings.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as informative and detailed, and praise the illustrations and visual presentation.
- The feedback also highlights interesting essays, design and collectability.
Frequently asked questions
Does this book include a tarot deck?
The listing describes an illustrated book with card imagery and a guide to reading cards. It does not say that a usable tarot deck is included.
What does the book cover?
It surveys tarot history and symbolism, arranged around the 78 cards of the Major and Minor Arcana, with more than 500 cards and artworks, essays and a reading guide.
Is it suitable for someone interested in tarot artwork?
The emphasis on card illustrations, original art and interpretations from medieval to modern times makes it relevant to readers interested in tarot as a visual tradition.
Alternative options
The Book Of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images
£27.03
The Original Rider Waite Tarot Deck: 78 beautifully illustrated cards and instructional booklet
£19.99
Akashic Spirals: Memories of Initiatic Egypt
£12.41
Dusserre Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot (Standard Edition, English, GB)
£13.29
The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel: 45th Ed. (45th Edition)
£22.38
Masterpieces of Fantasy Art: 45th Ed. (45th Edition)
£20.04
David Hockney: A Chronology. 45th Ed. (45th Edition)
£22.01
Spirit Worlds: The Library of Esoterica
£26.18
The Original Rider Waite Tarot Pack: Complete With 78 cards and Instructional Booklet, The Key to The Tarot
£21.87
Leonardo: The Complete Drawings
£18.71
Celestial Tarot Deck, Tarot Cards with Guidebook, Tarot Cards for Beginners, Shadow and Light Divination Deck for Self-Discovery
£16.99
