part0004

I am indebted to first readers of the manuscript for this book, Soror C.L. and Soror R., and to the following who kindly provided invaluable response to an early chapter draft:

Throughout this book and the following two volumes, I have referenced a large collection of books written by Crowley. In order to simplify repeated references, I have abbreviated selected titles, such as BOT for Book of Thoth. The corresponding title and edition can be found in the bibliography.

If you would like to receive additional graphics and free insights into the Thoth Tarot - and be the first to be notified upon the availability of the second and third books of this trilogy, please join our Arch of Bou-Saada mailing list:

The Tarot is an Atlas of, and Guide Book to, the Universe. It has been my daily study since Feb. '99, and my researches have cost me several thousand pounds.

I have long determined to construct a pack embodying all the new knowledge gained from Anthropology, Comparative Religion, & so forth.

Lady Harris offered to execute the cards from my designs. It was agreed that I should have a 2/3 share in the venture.

From my rough sketches & descriptions, under my continual inspection, subject to my constant correction - I made her do some cards over again 5, 6 even 8 times in one case - she made the set now on show at the Berkeley Galleries. (There is one exception: the card numbered I was not shown to, or authorized by, me. I suspect a trick in this.)

She has damaged the property by offering it for sale at cost price, thus alienating the libraries & booksellers, and reducing my 2/3 interest to nil.

I value the copyright at something like £20000. (A crude, vilely drawn & coloured, ignorant, inferior pack, published in 1902 or thereabouts, has sold over 1000 copies every year since then at 15/- a copy. I am quite sure that these admirable cards, with my book on the subject, which was to go with them in an ornamental box, would bring in far more annual receipts. I have a large following in U.S.A.–they send me £50 a month or more - which is growing rapidly. [1]