The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
Rating: (out of 18 reviews)
List Price: CDN$ 40.73
Price: CDN$ 592.96
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Review by K. Goetz for The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
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I was born in the Czech Republic and spent nearly all my childhood weekends in Prague, at my aunt’s home. Although I now live in Canada, Prague remains in my heart as a city of mystery and lore, a place of winding cobbled streets, ancient red roofs, and classic architecture rich in detail. I resisted buying this deck for a long time; I was afraid it wouldn’t do justice to a place I cherish. But curiosity won and now I regret I didn’t get these cards sooner. I’ve never felt such an instant inner connection with any other set of tarot cards I own. These cards were speaking to me before I even began reading with them and no, this not only because I have an affinity for the city they capture so magnificently. They are just that fine.This deck is a genuine and unique testament of love for Prague. The creators have a personal relationship with the city they live in and it translates into the most minute elements of the deck. Each card, minors as well as majors, is rich in detail and story. The colours are vibrant and resonant, the images expertly and seamlessly woven together. The card stock is somewhat thicker and not as glossy as most commercially produced tarot decks, yet for that they have a unusual and lovely sheen. To me, this actually adds to the deck’s character: it gives the cards a true European flavour. The accompanying book, well-written with wisdom and humour, is an excellent complement. It not only gives an interpretation of the cards but also provides background information on where the images originated and is abundant with anecdotes and extra images of the city. Even I, knowing Prague’s history and legends as well as I do, found something new in the book’s pages. The book allows even those unfamiliar with Prague to enter the gates and feel at home. In all, this is the most beautiful and individual deck I own. I talked my mother into getting one and she loves it as much as I do. It is a pleasure to hold in the hands, to look at, to read with. It has met and surpassed all my expectations and, though I may not be able to visit Prague in reality at this time, I can still find all the things I remember and love about her each time I pick up these cards.
Review by for The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
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All in all, this deck is stunning. I love the choice offered between two Death cards, and the collages are seamless, even those that integrate playing card images. The skylines in the suit of Swords are beautiful, although the Swords are not usually my favourites. And the High Priestess is the most beautiful of any of my decks. My only complaint is one I have seen elsewhere in other reviews as well. The slightly rough finish on the cards leaves small paper scraps on your hands and clothing while shuffling, and the cards have a matte textured finish that feels slightly uncomfortable to my hands. While I expect that will pass as I break them in, this is the only thing keeping it from that 5th star in my rating. Also, the companion book is one of the best and most comprehensive I have ever seen. This is a wonderful set, and well worth the extra money over buying only the 2nd edition deck on its own.
Review by A Reader in Pursuit of Excellence for The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
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Sometimes I want a good, solid, readable tarot deck, with plenty of well-thought-out symbolism and a clear structure.
Sometimes I’m more in the mood for a deck with gorgeous, colourful artwork, a stunning sense of composition and an eye for detail, as well as a good dollop of whimsy and passion.
There are very few decks that fall into both categories, but the Tarot of Prague is certainly one of them.Anyone familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism should be able to use this deck right out of the box. For those who aren’t, there is the excellent book, which is probably the best book-for-a-deck I know. It’s extremely well written, serious and thorough but with a sense of humour, too. It gives extensive information about the artwork, the sources used, the history and mystery of Prague, as well as being an excellent guide to the tarot in general. It would even make a great travel guide to use while visiting Prague!
But, for the people who don’t want to get the set and opt for the deck alone, the deck also comes with a very good, concise and clear ‘little white book’. It doesn’t give much history or background, but it would certainly be enough to get you reading the cards.I love the artwork in these cards. It took the creators thousands of hours to make them, and they succeeded in achieving a perfect, consistent feel. I adore the colours, which are rich but not gaudy, as well as the way in which this deck showcases one of the most magical and enchanting cities on earth: Prague.
The deck is extremely readable, but it is also a pleasure to just hold and look at all the cards one by one, admiring the artwork. Someone once compared a good deck of tarot cards to an art gallery, with 78 works of art. That certainly applies to this one, which makes it the perfect deck to show off to my tarot-sceptical friend (of which I have all too many). Even if they are very dismissive of the whole idea of tarot, they cannot help but be bowled over by the gorgeous art. Finally, the production of both the deck and the book is remarkable. The cards are of extremely good quality – firm but not too stiff, and definitely not flimsy. The coating is durable without feeling ‘plasticy’. Even the box and the book are of excellent quality, with high-grade paper and great printing.
I would have expected the price of both the deck alone and the deck-book set to be about twice as high as they actually are – this is a high-quality tarot deck for an extremely good price.I think beginning readers, as well as experienced readers and those who mostly buy tarot decks for collection purposes, will immensely enjoy the Tarot of Prague!ps: reviewer streetspirit85 pointed out a little difficulty with the original box; personally, I loved the design, but I keep the deck with the box in a bag.
The second printing however, which is the one hitting the shops now, has a different box which keeps the cards a little safer.
Review by for The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
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There are a maximum of 1,000 words one can write on an Amazon review.But one is enough here:Brilliant.
Review by Cassandra for The Tarot of Prague Kit: A Tarot Deck and Book Based on the Art and Architecture of the “Magic City”
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After reading the reviews on Amazon, I was very much looking forward to having this deck in my hands, and finally perusing these cards. I have heard much about this deck, and I thought that I would give it a try. Unfortunately, it was not what I expected. I am not best pleased with the card stock. As I shuffled the cards, I was coated in little pieces of broken white-card… flaking from the bottoms of the cards. I was also very dissappointed with the dry-looking imagery. Prague is a beautiful city, and having lived in it for numerous years, I felt that the deck did not do it any justice (pardon the tarot pun!) at all. My advice to anyone considering purchasing this deck? Don’t. Ofcourse, it is all a matter of personal taste. I am very cynical of all the positive reviews. (…) I for one wish I had spent my money on something else. Best Wishes, Cassandra