Gérard van Rijnberk - Le Tarot. Histoire, iconographie, ésotérisme - 1947

RIJNBERK (Gérard van). The Tarot. History, iconography, esotericism. A work illustrated with seventeen plates and a plate outside the text. Lyon, Paul Derain, 1947.

1 volume, octavo, with 363 pages, 17 plates outside the text. 17x25 cm.

First edition of this reference study on the Tarot, by the Dutch physiologist Gérard van Rijnberk (1875-1953), professor at the University of Amsterdam and a figure in Martinism. The work deals with the origin of playing cards, compares the principal ancient tarots, and offers an esoteric interpretation; it remains one of the most cited works on the history of the Tarot.

Limited edition of 700 numbered copies; this copy bears no. 00591. It includes the author’s occult ex-libris, engraved by Pam G. Rueter, accompanied by its explanatory notice printed in Dutch.

Paperback, cover printed to imitate marbled paper.

Condition: cover somewhat soiled and rubbed, small losses on the spine; paper slightly yellowed.