The exclusive artworks of this deck of playing cards pay tribute to the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. One of the “Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature” and a household name in China until today, the story is set in the turbulent years from 169 to 280 AD, during which the country split into three power blocs: the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu (the Three Kingdoms period, 220~280 AD). The novel not only depicts the incessant battling of the three states over dominance but also romanticizes the personal lives of historical figures, introducing close to a thousand heroic characters, 13 of which are featured in this deck. Historical as well as mythical, the legendary Romance has inspired countless artistic renditions including the one we now present.

The exclusive artworks of this deck of playing cards pay tribute to the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. One of the “Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature” and a household name in China until today, the story is set in the turbulent years from 169 to 280 AD, during which the country split into three power blocs: the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu (the Three Kingdoms period, 220~280 AD). The novel not only depicts the incessant battling of the three states over dominance but also romanticizes the personal lives of historical figures, introducing close to a thousand heroic characters, 13 of which are featured in this deck. Historical as well as mythical, the legendary Romance has inspired countless artistic renditions including the one we now present.

Scans of each card can be seen at http://www.marytcusack.com/maryc/decks/html/Tarot/Prince.html Based on the beloved novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Tarot of the Little Prince is filled with whimsical art that's as powerful as it is tender. The evocative illustrations loosely follow the Rider-Waite-Smith symbols and structure, so the deck can be used as part of a regular reading practice, especially by those who wish to look at the questions and issues of life with a sense of nostalgia for a more innocent time. Tarot of the Little Prince speaks to the imagination in addition to connecting to the spirit and the soul.