22 major/56 minor
![[back design]](http://www.learntarot.com/owback.gif)
![[Empress]](http://www.learntarot.com/owmaj03.gif)
![[Ace of Pentacles]](http://www.learntarot.com/owpa.gif)
The Original Rider-Waite Tarot Pack contains a facsimile edition of the popular Rider-Waite Tarot deck. This edition is based on the version of the deck originally printed from plates that were destroyed during the bombing of London during World War II. The Rider-Waite was first published in 1910 by Rider & Company, a London publisher. Arthur Edward Waite designed the deck in collaboration with Pamela Colman Smith, an American artist. Waite was a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn, an occult society of the time. Waite considered symbolism of prime importance, so the cards of the Rider-Waite deck were created to communicate esoteric principles through symbols. This Original Rider-Waite Pack also includes Waite's book The Key to the Tarot in a pocket-sized edition (172 pages) that has the same dimensions as the cards. See also a comparison of different Rider-Waite decks.
| Number of Cards | Size | Copyright | Card Back Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 22 major/56 minor |
2 3/4" x 4 3/4" | 1993 | |
Language of Card Titles: English
Style of Suit Cards (2-10): Story Pictures
Also Included: pocket-sized "Key to the Tarot" by A. E. Waite, title card, artist's history card (Pamela Colman Smith), Celtic Cross layout guide sheet, cardboard storage box (6" X 5 1/4")
Major Arcana:
Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant,
Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice,
Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Star, Moon, Sun,
Judgement, World
Suit Names: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles
Court Cards: King, Queen, Knight, Page
SAMPLE CARD IMAGES:
![[5 of Swords]](ows5.gif)
![[10 of Cups]](owc10.gif)
![[Knight of Wands]](owwkn.gif)
Text based on the instruction booklet and U. S. Games Catalog #49.
