The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume II

§@ŠĖ: Stuart R. Kaplan
 
It reproduces over 3600 different cards from more than 300 tarot decks. The illustrations enable the reader to study the imagery and to contemplate the esoteric meanings and rich symbolism found on the cards. Many rare cards never before published are seen for the first time, enabling their significance in the development of tarot to be placed into proper perspective. Differences between decks are analysed, and the symbology and iconography of the cards are explained. The illustrations feature cards drawn largely from the Stuart and Marilyn R. Kaplan Playing Card Collection and from leading museums and private collections worldwide. Stuart R. Kaplan chronicles the rise and fall of the Renaissance rulers of Milan, the Visconti and Sforza families, who commissioned the earliest extant packs. A dramatic backdrop is presented with events from the place and time when the earliest tarot cards were used in a game played by the aristocracy of Northern Italy. Several important documents relating to tarot are reproduced. For the first time, a detailed list is available of more than 500 cardmakers from 14 countries who produced tarot from the 16th century to the present. Additionally, an invaluable compilation of tax stamps used on playing cards in 6 countries provides important clues to dating antique packs. The annotated bibliography comprises more than 1300 books and articles not found in the bibliography of Volume I. Sources included in the compilation date from the 15th century to the present. 584 pp.

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