THE GENERAL BOOK OF THE TAROT: Containing the Astrological Key to the Tarot-system, Published for the First Time
Book Details + Condition: Rider & Co. (London). Scarce First Edition, 1928 (no date provided). 158 pages, with an Introduction by Arthur Edward Waite. Written by the premier Dutch astrologer at the time A.E. Thierens, THE GENERAL BOOK OF THE TAROT defines the entire Tarot divination systems with some unique insights into the meanings and interpretations of the cards. Thierens examines the astrological symbolism of the Tarot. According to Gilbert "Waite read the text in typescript prior to publication and he may have done some editorial work in addition to providing the Introduction. The descriptions of the Tarot Cards are based upon Waite's pack." Original oatmeal cloth with black lettering to spine and double-ruled black border to front board. Black-and-white illustrations. Binding is solid and tight; light shelf wear, with darkening to boards; old numbers on spine (possibly a private library marking); interior is clean and free of markings. Please see images for more detail, and below for more information on A.E. Thierens.
BIOGRAPHY: Adolph Ernestus Thierens (Brielle, December 20, 1875 - Bussum, December 30, 1941) was a Dutch occultist, astrologer and soldier. In 1907 he founded the Netherlands Society for the Study of Astronomy and Modern Astrology, of which he was president until 1922. He seen as the founder of Dutch astrology. He became known as editor of the astrological magazine Urania. His many publications are not only about astrology but also about Tarot, Theosophy and Freemasonry. Thierens was an esoteric astrologer who approached astrology from a theosophical angle. The society founded by him still exists as a working community of Astrologers.
