About the author
Patrick Maille is the author of The Cards: The Evolution and Power of Tarot (University Press of Mississippi, 2021), a study tracing tarot from its Renaissance origins as a card game through its later adoption as a tool of divination and its wide presence in contemporary popular culture. The book approaches tarot historically and culturally, examining how the deck's imagery and uses have shifted across centuries and why the cards continue to hold appeal for such a broad range of readers. Rather than a practical divination manual, it reads as a work of cultural and historical analysis, situating tarot alongside other forms of popular symbolism and entertainment. Published by an academic press, it is aimed at readers interested in the history of tarot as much as its use, including those approaching the subject from folklore, media studies, or general cultural history rather than from an existing tarot practice.
📖 Where to start with Patrick Maille
💬 What our editors say about Patrick Maille's books
“Patrick Maille delivers a compelling historical and cultural analysis that appeals to scholars and enthusiasts alike. While it excels at mapping Tarot’s journey from Renaissance games to modern media, it may not suit readers…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Cards: The Evolution and Power of Tarot
“Patrick Maille delivers a meticulously researched account of Tarot’s journey from a Renaissance game to a spiritual staple. The analysis of its influence on art and popular culture is particularly illuminating, offering fresh…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Cards: The Evolution and Power of Tarot
