This is an introductory booklet that accompanies a Lenormand deck of the same name, which was designed using art by Pamela “Pixie” Colman Smith, who illustrated the classic Rider-Waite tarot deck. As someone who was only very recently introduced to tarot and cartomancy generally, I found the booklet to be an accessible if limited overview of Lenormand. It covers simple interpretations of each card, as well as the syntax of a basic three-card spread. There is also background on Colman Smith, on Lenormand, and on the creation of the artwork for this deck, all of which is interesting though not very detailed. I can’t criticize this for being a brief introduction when it is a tiny book that fits in a card tin! Overall it is an extremely useful guide and I can tell that I will return to it many times when I’m having trouble interpreting a card. It also made me want to read more in-depth about the Lenormand deck, so I’m grateful to Zebrowski for piquing my curiosity.

The art itself is gorgeous. Some cards are ornate and some are simple, but all are striking. The beautiful colors and careful composition additionally facilitate interpretability, which I’m sure in no accident. Zebrowski clearly understands what makes Colman Smith’s art work for the tarot, and has done a great job bringing that power to the Lenormand. I’m excited to compare other decks, but for anyone who (like me) finds Colman Smith’s tarot deck evocative and navigable the art style here will help novices as they learn to read Lenormand!