This tarot deck is a modern published version of an original deck design done back in 1889.  Dr. Gerard Encausse, known amongst his occult peers as "Papus," wrote a book called Tarot of the Bohemians which put forth the original concept of the tarot as being brought to Europe by the gypsies, a theory later proven false.  The illustrations for the book are the 22 Major Arcana card illustrations, done by Gabriel Goulinat, and based on the work of Eliphas Levi.

The Minor Arcana cards were done later on, in 1909, coincidentally the same year that the Rider-Waite deck was designed.  The Minor Arcana card designs draw on the inspiration of the deck of the famous occultist Ettiella, whose Grand Etteilla deck was a landmark in divination history.

This deck was first put together as an actual deck in 1981, much later than the actual designs were made.  It is still readily available today.  The art style is very modern and has a good feel to it, with a lot of energy.  Considering it was designed a hundred years before publication as a deck, it is amazing that it is so forward-looking in style.

The setup of the deck is classic in style, Major Arcana designs with pips in the Minors.  There is bold use of color everywhere and while the pip designs have a primitive look to them, they are still appealing.  Out of all the decks I have reviewed of the classic type, this is one of my favorites.  I liked it instantly.

On each card in the Major Arcana is featured the number of order in the deck, the Hebrew Letter corresponding to the card, and the title in block lettering.  The Fool is numbered both 0 and 21 so you can place it in either spot.  Justice is 8 and Strength 11.  Other than that the Majors have traditional order and titling.

The Minor Arcana are numbered but untitled except for the court cards.  The Courts are King, Queen, Cavalier and Valet.  Suits are Batons, Cups, Swords and Coins.  The deck itself is of the slightly smaller and narrower than standard size which is really comfortable in the hand and shuffles well.  Each of the suit cards also bears the symbol from playing card decks as well, making the connections clear.

This deck's strength is in the Major Arcana cards, which are so striking that I have to recommend them wholeheartedly for anyone who likes working with a classic styled deck.  There is also the sense of working with an historic deck, in my opinion, that provides a lot of appeal for collectors.  This is a worthwhile addition to any collection.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace