The Deck And Book Nook – Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set

I have to admit, I am a sucker for kits.  I like anything that is smartly packaged with lots of parts and frills.  Naturally, any sort of tarot set makes me a very happy camper and I was giddy as could be when I recently acquired the Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set.  This gorgeous box set is well done and any tarot lover will want to add this to their collection.

The contents are packaged in a sturdy double sided box that folds out to reveal many lovely treasures inside.  There are lots of tarot goodies including:

A Smith Waite Centennial Edition Tarot Deck with a baby blue organza bag for storage

Two books: The Artwork And Times of Pamela Colman Smith by Stuart R. Kaplan and The Pictorial Key To The Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite

Three 5×7 pictures of Smith’s art, suitable for framing

1 black and white photo of Pamela Colman Smith

A supplemental fold out with a few tarot spreads

6 postcards picturing Smith’s art work

The deck is a reprint of the original 1909 deck, with dreamy muted colors and a “vintage” finish that adds an authentic retro feel.  There are many versions of the Rider Waite deck with different color schemes (Radiant Rider Waite comes to mind with its bright, energetic colors) but there is something about this version that grabs my attention and pulls me in like no other.  Perhaps it is because the turn of the century is one of my favorite eras or maybe the softer color scheme is simply easier on the eye.  Either way, I really find this faithful reproduction quite appealing.  I especially liked the reversible image on the back of the deck  – a white rose framed by Colman Smith’s signature.  There is a little blue organza bag included for storing the deck – another nice little touch that made this set very special.

“The Pictorial Key To The Tarot” by Arthur Edward Waite is a familiar book on many tarot lover’s shelves – in fact, this was one of the first tarot books that I owned when I began my own journey with the tarot. I had lost my copy and was happy to be reunited with this classic!  Even more exciting was the other book, “The Artwork and Times of Pamela Colman Smith” by Stuart R. Kaplan.  This biography was small but did not lack details.  Her life and family history are thoroughly covered and many images of Colman-Smith’s work are lovingly displayed throughout the book with notes that help the reader learn about the mediums that Colman-Smith worked with throughout her life (watercolor, ink, pencil, etc.) as well as all the different places where her work was featured (book illustrations, sheet music, magazines, and more). I was saddened to learn that even though she had great talent, she still struggled financially throughout her life and died penniless due to bad business decisions.  I found myself wondering if her work would have been forgotten if not for the tarot.  How grateful I am to know that at least one aspect of her artwork is still revered, recognized and treasured!

Lastly, U.S. Games included a fold out with tarot spreads as well as some postcards and pictures, making this kit a treasure trove and well worth the $35.00 price tag!  This is a bargain considering all that you get.  I highly recommend this set for any tarot lover or fan of Colman-Smith’s work. This would also be a lovely gift for any of the tarot fiends in your life.

I give this boxed set an enthusiastic 2 Swords Up!

Blessings!

Theresa

PS Do you have this set?  I’d love to hear what you think about it!