Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume IV

Library Journal

As the owner of the largest tarot deck collection in the world, Kaplan (founder and CEO, U.S. Games Systems Inc.) brings extensive knowledge to this ongoing encyclopedia (the first was published over 25 years ago; Volume 2 in 1986; and Volume 3 in 1990). Each volume is a work unto itself featuring mainly black-and-white reproductions of tarot cards ranging from rare and unpublished to popular and computer-generated. Readers will also encounter unsurpassed treasure troves of historical information on the decks, artists, and publishing of the tarot. With this five-pound entry, Kaplan and Huets, who cowrote the previous two volumes, cover an additional 800 decks. Special features include a section on more than 150 Japanese tarot decks and a chapter on ancient Egypt-inspired decks. Bottom Line This volume's index and comprehensive annotated bibliography, which contains more than 1500 entries dating from the 18th century to the present, make it an essential reference source for scholars and collectors alike. Recommended for large tarot collections in both academic and public libraries.-Kimberley Robles-Smith, California State Univ. Lib., Fresno Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.