This deck-and-book set goes about redefining the art of divination by playing cards.  Specifically, the bridge kind.  The cards are the same size and shape as a traditional bridge deck, there are 54 of them, including the 2 Jokers.  The suits are Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades.

The numbered cards look almost like a standard bridge deck, with the exception of a really nicely colored background instead of the plain white.  However, the court cards, King, Queen and Jack, have been totally redesigned with attractive figures on them, and the Aces are also redone, with a sort of picture instead of the typical symbol.

The cards themselves are printed on a stiff kind of stock which gave me a paper cut when I first handled them.  Apparently the edges aren't buffed after cutting like a lot of production facilities use.  I would recommend the user break this deck in well by beating it up a bit before use.

The book which comes with the set is a really nicely done one, with plenty of illustrations and a wide variety of layouts to use.  The explanations and interpretations given are the most complete and interesting I've yet seen for reading with playing cards.  Most sources of information on this art of fortune telling are old, doomsayer-style bits of prophesy, with no real correlation to modern day.

This set would be excellent for anyone wishing to learn how to read with playing cards.  It is NOT a tarot deck, however, and so has some limitations in that respect.

Having had quite a few tarot clients express some surprise that I did in fact use tarot cards and not playing cards, I'd say this would be a valuable skill for any reader to learn.

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also by Jane Lyle:
The Lovers' Tarot

Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace