Sola Busca Tarot ~
An Alchemical Way in 78 Paths
150-Page
Book, Written by Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli
Published by Hermatena, Spring 2021
Book Size: 8 by 5.75 inches (20.32 x 14.6 cm)
Includes
Images of all 78 Sola Busca cards
Price: €. 19.00 Euro + Italian P&H
*Special Price for U.S. Customers Below
(Above) Original printer's sheet of Sola Busca Trumps during our private viewing at 'the Brea', arranged by Morena & Ernesto for our 2015 Tarot Tour
Place an Order with the the updated Museo Dei Tarocchi site in Italy
Sola Busca Tarot, An Alchemical Way in 78 Paths:
Published in 2021 by Hermatena, (the printing house of Museo dei
Tarocchi) and co-written by the dynamic duo ~ Morena Poltronieri & Ernesto Fazioli of same,
this much anticipated book is full of interesting details for those fascinated by the symbolic associations inherent
in this mysterious, ancient deck from early Tarot history and lore (Sola Busca is estimated to be from around 1490). Being the oldest deck
retaining all 78 cards, while also having detailed, curious (often bizarre) looking characters and scenes on all
of the cards, it has long been the focus of
academic study and analysis. This well researched book was translated into English skillfully and is a compelling read.
For those who already discovered the earlier Sola Busca book
by Morena Poltronieri & Cristina Dorsini (published by il Meneghello in 2013)
which specifically focused on the 22 Major Arcana
, this 2021 edition retains much of that useful information regarding the 22 Trumps,
while adding more details and nuance. And of course the information in this publication
regarding the remaining 56 cards is all new material.
The introduction shares an overview of the ancient history of alchemy as well.
All the cards are displayed in the book, alongside their associated text for easy reference. The Major
Arcana images are in color and approximately 3.75 by 2 inches
(9.5 x 5 cm.), while the Minor Arcana are B&W and around 2.75 x 1.5 inches (6.985 by 3.81 cm.) Each card description shares details on the
cryptic symbols
hidden in the cards, as well as the significance of colors, number
associations and other coded references that relate to the mystical art of alchemy.
Details on known history (both political and religious) and/or
historical figures featured in the cards are also included when such associations exist (namely the Major Arcana
and many of the Court Cards, especially the Queens and Kings). Each card's text
shares the alchemical symbolism and coded messages inherent in the image as well as a brief divinatory meaning
towards the end of the description.
This book is well researched, richly detailed and a useful guide or
reference for those of us interested in Tarot history and specifically in the esoteric nature of this enigmatic deck and what it reveals about the hidden nature of early Italian
Tarot (created during the Renaissance).
For added reference, here is an
interesting essay
by
Tarot historian Sherryl E. Smith
(2013) which shares key reasons why the Sola Busca deck is so historically significant
and unique.
For U.S. Customers
- an option to order this book from Arnell (in New Mexico) for: $18 + P&H
Sorry,
Currently Out of Stock