The Tarot pack of cards is a mystery. What was its origin and purpose? It has been said to derive from India or Iran, even China, and to have been brought to the West by Gypsies, returning Crusaders, or the Arab invaders of Spain. Various writers have claimed that it embodies the wisdom of ancient Egypt, pagan Celtic traditions, and the symbolism of Dante's Divine Comedy. The source of the very word 'Tarot' has been allegedly discovered in Latin, Hebrew and Egyptian.

In a clear and lively manner, Richard Cavendish presents the myths and facts about the Tarot. He describes the earliest known packs and their development through changes in religious and political thought. The author also gives a comprehensive account of the many different interpretations and uses of the Tarot. He discusses the significance of the cards both in magic and meditation, and finally he turns to what many people regard as the most fascinating aspect of the Tarot: its use in telling the future.

This book forms a complete compendium of information on the Tarot, incuding clear instructions on how to lay out and read the cards. There are many explanatory diagrams and tables and the book is illustrated with magnificent colour plates, and pictures in black and white.