Tarot. The Library of Esoterica

A journey into the world of Tarot is essentially a journey into understanding ourselves, serving as a reminder of our universal quest for meaning, purpose, and connection to the divine. Spanning over 600 years, Tarot reflects a history not only of those in pursuit of insight but also of our artistic evolution and the ways we convey our collective human narrative. In Western culture, Tarot often resides in the less visible parts of our societal awareness, considered a metaphysical tradition best suited to the obscure realms of the esoteric. The intricate and unclear history of Tarot has been preserved through secret writings, oral traditions, and the scholarly works of philosophers over time. Over centuries, mystics and artists have collaboratively transformed what began as a simple parlor game into a sophisticated tool for divination and introspection, with each generation reshaping and reinterpreting its form.Jessica Hundley delves into this captivating history in her concise edition of Tarot in TASCHEN’s Library of Esoterica series. Her book uncovers the symbolic meanings behind countless cards and their original artworks, spanning from the Medieval period to modern times, and is thoughtfully organized according to the 78 cards of the Major and Minor Arcana. Hundley highlights Tarot's significant impact as a source of inspiration for artists such as Salvador Dalí and Niki de Saint Phalle and features decks from numerous contemporary artists worldwide who have embraced Tarot's potential to advance cultural identity.