The Key to the Tarot. Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition under the Veil of Divination.
London: William Rider & Son Limited, 1920. New Edition. Hardcover. Octodesimo (4 3/4 x 3 1/8 inches). xii + 212pp. Light blue-grey moire patterned cloth, with title and author's name to upper board, and title lettered up the spine in gilt. design to upper board, bibliography, top edge gilt. "The Key" was intended for use with the pack of tarot cards designed by Pamela Coleman Smith under Waite's supervision. It was first issued in 1910, along with the cards, and later reprinted in expanded form and with illustrations as "The Pictorial Key to the Tarot" in 1911. According to Gilbert this (second) edition of "The Key" had the revised text of "The Pictorial Key" but without the illustrations and bibliography. It was presumably issued for the use of those who already had, or were planning to purchase, the cards, so the illustrations we unnecessary. It was also, conveniently, around the same size as the cards. (Gilbert, A23b). Front board has some small dark staining to the top edge, rear board has some staining as though from a liquid spill, a little canted and some bumping to the edges. A couple of leaves have "dog ears" to the top corners, which were presumably folded over as place-markers, otherwise internally tight and clean. Were it not for the discoloration to the boards this would easily rate as a VG copy (no dust jacket issued). Item #66009
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