A re-introduction to the history and benefits of The Tarot

In August 2007 Watkins Publishing are releasing The Authentic Tarot by Thomas Saunders, a new book which aims to educate and inspire readers to use Tarot cards for the original purpose, telling the stories of our lives. Saunders uses the oldest surviving set of Tarot cards to illustrate the historical evidence and brings Tarot from fortune tellers tables into every home.

“My intention in writing this book is not only to respond to the current widespread use
of the Tarot as little more than a system for fortune telling, but also to re-establish
the cards as a tool to provide us with insights into the hidden workings of the mind”
Thomas Saunders

Can the tarot be used as more than just a means of telling our future? Can it offer insights into the journeys our lives have already taken as well as the paths they will take? Tarot expert and broadcaster Thomas Saunders believes that we have lost sight of the true meaning of the cards and his book The Authentic Tarot, publishing 15th August 2007 priced £10.99, aims to open eyes and minds everywhere to the essential wisdom that can be drawn from a reading.

By using the oldest complete set of tarot in existence, the Ancien Tarot de Marseille, as his foundation Saunders investigates the history of both tarot reading and the book itself (collection of card). Comparing these original cards to further sets produced throughout history, including the book he learned to read from, he is able to see how slowly the emphasis of tarot has changed from telling the stories of our lives to predicting the future.

Throughout the book illustrations are taken from the Ancien Tarot de Marseille these are used to show how their meanings can be decoded and how they fit together to form the stories of our lives. Along the way Saunders explains the nature and rituals of a reading casting light on a subject often regarded as arcane and unsubstantial.

Discover how the tarot can help to raise self-awareness, increase our understanding of where we are on life’s path and be used as a daily resource for finding our way to self-knowledge.


For more information about Thomas Saunders or The Authentic Tarot contact
Vicky Hartley on 01962 841570 or email vicky@dbp.co.uk