A Critical Introduction to Tarot provides a refreshingly innovative perspective on Tarot. It would be of value to tarot readers who wish to extend their understanding and practice or those with a broader interest in symbolism and magic. Fortean Times, May 2024, FT44 ~ Fortean Times, Review

A Critical Introduction to Tarot is great for anyone who would like a deeper dive into tarot, particularly its origins and symbolism. It would probably best suit a seasoned tarot card reader or student of tarot. I plan to keep it on hand and weave some of the numerological information in my readings. I feel that I benefit from every book I read, especially those that challenge my beliefs. This book has helped me reframe my love of tarot and deepened my knowledge of its rich history. FULL REVIEW: https://musingmystical.com/a-critical-introduction-to-tarot-by-simon-kenny/ ~ Musing Mystical, Review

As we know, people believe in tarot cards for various reasons. For some, it provides a sense of guidance or insight into their lives. Others see it as a tool for self-reflection and introspection. Additionally, some people find comfort in the ritual and symbolism associated with tarot readings. So what author Simon Kenny cleverly sets out to do here is not just focus on Tarot cards, as a whole, but moreover, wholly embrace a much wider, greater sense of magical thinking within us all. A great overview for practitioners, sceptics and just those curiously interested, the book is a brilliant read from start to finish and one that seamlessly weaves in a historical element that resides behind each and every one of the related practices. In conclusion, A Critical Introduction to Tarot: Examining the Nature of a Belief in Tarot is a highly accessible read aimed at demystifying Tarot for those unfamiliar with its magical, occult roots and growing use as a personal development tool. ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A critical introduction to tarot is not like other tarot books that explain the meaning of the major and minor arcana's with a brief description of the history. This book delves into the history of how the tarot came about and how the cards depict the historical patriarchal view. Overall the book was well written and easy to follow. ~ NetGalley, Sarah-jane Ward (Reviewer)

For beginners, A Critical Introduction to Tarot is a must read, for practitioners the information contained within the book should be read to understand better the intricacies of this age-old craft and for anyone with an interest in things metaphysical, the basis of the research into Tarot, not the use of the cards, is well worth the time invested reading the book. FULL REVIEW: https://bluewolf-reviews.com/books/new-age/a-critical-introduction-to-tarot/ ~ Blue Wolf Reviews, Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The book is certainly very enjoyable, but frankly I don't know why they emphasized tarot cards so much in the title. In fact, it's not just about tarot cards: the book is a (very good) essay on what I would call the resurgence of magical thinking in the West in the Third Millennium (with a bibliography perhaps smaller than I would have liked - not because there are doubts about the quality of the author's research but simply because I would have liked more indications on the texts from which to delve into the topics discussed!). So, it's not just about tarot cards, but about magical thinking in general, from the formally stated (kabbalah, numerology, etc.) to the more nuanced (new age, positive vibes, etc.). Absolutely enjoyable, interesting without being heavy. For an academic who wants to delve more seriously into the topic, there is probably more substantial literature; for a casual reader interested in the subject, this is highly recommended. ~ Lucia Graziano (Media/Journalist) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A Doctoral Thesis on Comparative Mystical Divination Techniques? Simon Kenny’s erudite research study, “A Critical Introduction to Tarot: Examining the Nature of a Belief in Tarot,” is not one’s everyday reference book to the Major and Minor Arcanas of the Tarot and how to lay spreads and interpret them—although there is some of that as well. This is rather an extraordinarily impressive scholarly work that is well-analyzed and provides multiple perspectives in an academic manner on comparative topics in addition to Tarot, like Kabbala, Numerology and Pythagorean Theorem; Divination, Dreams and Psychoanalysis; in addition to Societies, Heretical Arcane Sects, and Christianity. Readers will be pleased to find Kenny’s “Tarot” includes a table of contents, footnotes, and extensive illustrations, along with an impressive bibliography and references section. ~ Joy Hunt (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a great intro to tarot, as the name suggests. I enjoyed all of the history that was discussed in this book, and that it wasn't like all of the other tarot books on the market. A great, and different, view of this topic that will be a great addition to your library. ~ Britt S (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. A great overview for practitioners, skeptics, and interested members of the public alike. This book presents a wide variety of perspectives on the nature of tarot and divination, and examines also its intersections with marginalised identities. ~ Luke Murphy (Bookseller), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A Critical Introduction to Tarot is not like every other tarot book that describes the major and minor arcanas with keywords and historical desriptions. The book covers the history of tarot and studies how even though the cards sometimes still show history's patriarchal society, it is still important to include that lense in our readings. the book provides a somewhat intense study in how to understand the tarot using its history, different types of magick, dualism, numerology, politics, freemasonry, etc. I definitely would recommend for someone that wants to do a deep study of the tarot. ~ Leilany Vazquez (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A Critical Introduction to Tarot by Simon Kenny is an amazing read for those interested in practical use of tarot but also for those who enjoy learning a bit of history behind various practices. I will be putting in a pre order for a physical copy of this book to have at home and recommend to others. ~ Jenna Deaton (Reviewer), NetGalley

Another book on the Tarot? You might think that with many a bookshelf crammed with previous attempts to explain the mystery behind this "wicked deck of cards," adding one more would be unnecessary. But Simon Kenny's engaging work approaches this very familiar terrain from an uncommon perspective, looking less at what the cards mean than at what the many different people who have attempted to answer that question believed they meant. His wide-ranging study draws on both venerable traditions and more contemporary readings, adding quantum physics, philosophy of mind, feminist critique and much else to the mix, proving that whatever might be behind these undeniably evocative images, they retain their power to excite, inspire, and, with any luck, enlighten. ~ Gary Lachman, author of Dreaming Ahead of Time: Experiences with Precognition, Synchronicity and Coincidence

Simon's work asks the questions any person interested in tarot should ask: what is divination? Why does it work? What does divination suggest about the nature of reality? Can and should that alter the way we lead our lives? A Critical Introduction to Tarot provides a structure for exploring and perhaps even coming to terms with these ineffable concerns. A valuable companion for the metaphysically minded tarot reader. ~ T. Susan Chang, author of Tarot Correspondences: Ancient Secrets for Everyday Readers

With a steady, objectively journalistic hand, Kenny invites the reader to delve deep into the historical and spiritual contexts which ignited the creation of Tarot and continue to shape the practice’s mutable ideologies. Exploring the tradition from its purported roots in the Kabbalah teachings, as well as considering the influence of Rosicrucian occultism, Freemasonry and Pythagorean mathematics, Kenny provides not only a critical introduction but an expansive, fascinating overview, from ancient past to modern, social-media-saturated, present. Ultimately a celebration of the ways in which the Tarot arcana fluidly mutates, evolves and adapts—Kenny reveals the cards as a mirror flickering with the clear reflection of each new generation—the artists, philosophers, and activists that continue to shape Tarot attributes and symbology. ~ Jessica Hundley, author and series editor of Taschen's multivolume The Library of Esoterica

Tarot is a rich and important topic—psychologically, culturally, and philosophically. Kenny does an admirable job of covering its many facets with a keen and open mind. ~ Matthew Hutson, author of The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking