Tarot. The Library of Esoterica

To explore the Tarot is to explore ourselves, to be reminded of the universality of our longing for meaning, purpose, and a connection to the divine. This 600-year-old tradition reflects a history of seekers and our journey of artistic expression and the ways we communicate our collective human story. Tarot, the debut volume in TASCHEN's Library of Esoterica series, explores the symbolic meaning behind more than 500 cards and works of original art, two-thirds of which have never been published outside of the decks themselves. It includes the decks of nearly 100 diverse contemporary artists and excerpts from thinkers such as Éliphas Lévi, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell.

Format: Book
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2020
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

The Tarot is a profound exploration of self, a reminder of our universal desire for meaning, purpose, and a connection to the divine. This ancient tradition, spanning 600 years, reflects not only the journey of seekers but also the evolution of artistic expression and the ways we communicate our collective human story. In the West, Tarot often occupies a mysterious and marginalized position, relegated to dusty glass cabinets in the realm of the arcane. However, its rich history, shrouded in secrecy and passed down through secret writing, oral tradition, and scholarly tomes, reveals a profound tapestry of mystics, artists, and philosophers who have transformed it into a source of divination and self-exploration.

Over hundreds of years, countless creative hands, including mystics and artists, have collaborated to shape and reinterpret the Tarot. Each generation has sought to evolve the form and redefine the medium, making it a living testament to the enduring power of human creativity.

Author Jessica Hundley delves into this captivating history in Tarot, the inaugural volume in TASCHEN's Library of Esoterica series. The book presents a visual compendium of over 500 cards and original art, two-thirds of which have never been published outside the decks themselves. Spanning from Medieval to modern, the Tarot is artfully arranged according to the sequencing of the 78 cards of the Major and Minor Arcana. It explores the profound influence of Tarot on artists such as Salvador Dalí and Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as the decks of nearly 100 diverse contemporary artists from around the world who have embraced the medium as a means to push cultural identity forward.

In addition to the visual content, Tarot includes excerpts from renowned thinkers such as Éliphas Lévi, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell, providing insights into the symbolic meaning behind the cards. A foreword by art historian and curator Michael Baxandall adds further depth to the volume.

The Tarot is a timeless testament to our human longing for meaning, purpose, and connection to the divine. It invites us to explore our inner selves, tap into our collective wisdom, and embrace the beauty of artistic expression. Whether viewed as a metaphysical tradition or a tool for self-exploration, the Tarot continues to inspire and captivate individuals across generations and cultures.

Weight: 1650g
Dimension: 181 x 250 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836579872