a guest review by Lisa Parsons

In the author's own words, "a contemporary, adventurous perspective on the cards."  Illustrated with black and white pictures of about twenty cards from various Tarot decks, this is not a "how-to" book but rather an exploration of the appeal of the cards; the many different reasons we are attracted to them and the many uses to which they can be put.  Also discussed are many different theories of the  history and possible future of the cards.  Cynthia Giles actually sent out questionnaires to Tarot lovers across the country and abroad, to amateurs and professionals alike, and she draws from the responses and insights provided from them throughout the book.

Cynthia Giles has a Ph.D. in the humanities, specializing in Jungian studies, so it is no surprise that this is not light weight reading.  There is a wealth of information here drawn from many, many sources.  The author digs deep and brings to light many ideas I had not considered before.  I could probably read this book a few more times and still come up with pearls of knowledge I missed previously.  Great reading if you are looking for fresh ideas and not just traditional lore about the Tarot.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Lisa Parsons; used with permission