In the first major reference work of its kind, this comprehensive volume traces the history and origins of the earliest extant tarot, tarocchi, and tarock decks. Written with authority, and sharing a wealth of information, Kaplan’s chronological presentation takes readers from the earliest hand-painted cards, through the historical developments of printed cards, and surveys twentieth century tarot interests.

This complete 86-card Cary-Yale Visconti Tarocchi deck includes facsimile reproductions of 67 extant 15th century cards, plus 19 cards recreated to replace missing cards from the original pack.