Ship of Fools Tarot: Based on the Art of Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff [Paperback]

Brian Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2002

The Fool on a journey riddled with fools
Here is a classic, traditional Tarot that's undeniably unique in its execution, created by one of America's most prominent and prolific tarot artists. It is the Fool's Journey spelled out in images that are fun and funny, strange and elegant. Every card is closely inspired by the much-loved classic of German culture, Das Narrenschiff (The Ship of Fools), by Sebastian Brant.
The Fool card has emerged in recent decades as a pivotal figure of the Tarot. He is the human personality in its most innocent, most courageous state: the inner child. His journey is the path of lessons, obstacles, and pleasures he encounters on life's adventure as represented in the Tarot.
Selling Features
-By one of America's most prominent and prolific Tarot artists
-A classic and traditional Tarot uniquely based on images of freedom and foolishness
-For beginning and advanced Tarot readers and Tarot collectors
-Furthers the concept of the Fool card as the pivotal figure of the Tarot

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brian Williams (1958-2002) was an artist, author, Tarot  lecturer, and Italian expert who brought twenty-five years of experience and study to these related disciplines. He held a BA in Italian Renaissance Iconographic studies from the College of Letters and Science of the University of California, Berkeley (1982). He studied in Italy for a year at the Universita degli studi in Padova (Padua), Italy (1978-1979). He was later an artist-in-residence at the Istituto nazionale della grafica, Calcografia in Rome in 1984-85.  In his four previous books, particularly the Renaissance Tarot, and in his many workshop and lectures, he established himself as an expert in the history and symbolism of the tarot. In addition, his divinatory decks have marked him as one of America's most prominent and prolific tarot artists. They include the Renaissance Tarot, PoMo (Postmodern) Tarot, Angel Journey, and The Minchiate Tarot. Williams was a frequent speaker and presenter at tarot organization events and meetings, and led tarot-focused educational/celebratory tours to Italy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (September 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738701610
• ISBN-13: 978-0738701615
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 5.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #848,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful artwork!, May 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Ship of Fools Tarot: Based on the Art of Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff (Paperback)

This deck is not for someone who likes color. These drawings are wonderful and neutral in color. They are very Medieval in style and done by the late Brian Williams, who is one of my favorite Tarot card artists. If you are not a beginner and collect Tarot cards or are looking for something unusual - this deck is great.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Last great effort from the great artist!, August 30, 2005

By 

Richard K. Kostoff "karmarich" (columbus, oh) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ship of Fools Tarot: Based on the Art of Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff (Paperback)

I had to get this set for the book alone. The late great Mr. Williams was an exceptional artist as well as scholar. He obviously loved what he did-History of art and Tarot. He had a grand passion for these subject like no other. He lived a rich and full life, however short it was.

Above all, he contributed to the vast history of the Tarot leaving behind work that will last for generations to come. One such work is his Ship of Fools Tarot. Not as brilliant as his Renaissance Tarot, it still packs a punch. The colors are all monotone but the imagery and details stand out. There are many other decks that can be used for color.

This deck is humorous and delightful to approach, as the fool becomes the main character on this profound journey. One feels that the journey is not so serious. Smiles and taking life in stride paramount here. Mr. Williams had an uncanny ability to combine history and humor sucessfully.

What is really great is this is all historically accurate. His drawings only clarify this classic. Don't expect some mystical revelation here. If you find them, congratulations! As far as a reading is concerned, these cards are tighly based on the Rider-Waite system. It works great for beginners, but I would say to start with a color deck. As far as a scholar and serious student is concerned, this should be required study.

I use this deck on gloomy days when I need a good laugh. It works rather well in this case. Thank you, Brian!

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice tribute to Sebastian Brant, December 11, 2007

By 

J. L. R. Reed "The sadyll chic" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ship of Fools Tarot: Based on the Art of Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff (Paperback)

Firstly, I am not a reader or tarot enthusiast. I purchased the Ship of Fools by Brian Williams purely for the art. This deck is based on the late 15th century work "Narrenschiff" by Sebastian Brant. Four out of Five stars. Why? I wasn't really thrilled with the "playing card" feel of the deck. Other than that...

The Late Mr. Williams was a wonderful artist and stayed true to the spirit of the original art of the "Ship of Fools". If there was a deviation from the original work, Mr. Williams explained why he made the choices that he did as well as compared the design with other well known tarot decks.

The cards are a delight to look upon; crisp and clean lines with love and humor thrown in. It is a worthy final work for a man who dedicated much of his life and career to the study of the art and history of tarot. The book is nicely compose and a quick read, the perfect accompaniment to the cards.