New Tarot themed tools for my arsenal

I got two new tarot tools to play with from Ollie's of all places!

Here’s a short summary of The History of Tarot Art: Demystifying the Art and Arcana, Deck by Deck by Esther Joy Archer & Holly Adams Easley:

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The History of Tarot Art is a beautifully crafted and richly illustrated book that takes readers through the evolution of Tarot imagery from its Renaissance origins to modern, expressive new decks. The authors strike a great balance between visual beauty and historical insight, making the complex story of Tarot art both accessible and inspiring.

Some highlights:

• It begins with early decks like the Visconti Tarot and the Sola-Busca, then moves through classic decks like the Tarot de Marseille, Rider-Waite-Smith, and Thoth. (Theosophical Society in America)

• The book pays attention not just to the art itself but to who made it, and why—including female artists whose contributions haven’t always been recognized. (The Quarto Group)

You get large, vivid illustrations, a timeline of Tarot’s development, removable cards (Sola-Busca Major Arcana), and even guidance for doing readings. These extras make it more than a mere history—it’s practical, engaging, and visually sumptuous. (The Quarto Group)

There’s also a strong sense of how Tarot art reflects its time: stylistic shifts, cultural changes, increasing attention to inclusivity (in terms of gender, race, identity). Readers get a sense that Tarot art is alive, evolving. (The Quarto Group)

 

Overall, it’s a rewarding read for anyone interested in both art and Tarot—whether you’re curious about the origins of Tarot, a collector of decks, or someone who uses Tarot in a spiritual or symbolic way. If you like, I can also pull out a few of my favorite quotes or cards from the book.