Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.