1 7

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot

$54.99 USD
$54.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Cover contains minor shelf wear. Pages are in good shape. Binding tight and firm.

Author(s): Arthur Edward Waite
Edition: 1st Edition

Print: 3rd Printing

Publication year: 1966

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

Publisher: University Books

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the essential companion guide to the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot deck, written by occultist Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. First published in 1910, it was the first major work to feature fully illustrated "scenic" Minor Arcana cards, which revolutionized how tarot was read and understood by making it more intuitive for the general public.

The book is structured into three primary parts:
Part I: The Veil and Its Symbols: Provides a critical history of tarot, famously debunking then-popular theories of an ancient Egyptian origin while focusing on the cards' evolution in the 15th century.
Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil: Features detailed analysis and black-and-white plates of all 78 cards. Waite explores their esoteric symbolism, influenced heavily by his studies with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
Part III: The Outer Methods of the Oracles: Offers practical instructions for divination, including the popularization of the Celtic Cross spread.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the item and the delivery location. We ship via Media Mail or Ground Advantage through USPS.

Shop with Confidence!
We stand by the quality of our books. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, we offer a 100% full refund along with free return shipping.

View full details

Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.