Sampling of reviews

Amazon average customer reviews 2016: Canada = 4.5 stars; U.K. 5 stars; U.S.A. 4.5 stars. Barnes and Noble 5 stars; Good Reads = 4.5 stars.

 “…I cannot praise this beautiful deck enough….” – Sandra Cicero, author The Essential Golden Dawn

“It’s a stunning deck!” – The American Tarot Association

“I can think of no one I’d rather see creating images pertaining to the powerful world Welsh mythology. … Sumptuous, very atmospheric – you can feel the Welsh mist and rain and the sense of mystery and magic is palpable. The companion book is a handsome paperback and is very well- written. Ferguson marries tarot meaning and Welsh mythology beautifully; there is no awkward cobbling together of ideas. The Hermit is Myrddin/Merlin, the Hanged man is the enchantment of Dyfed. It is not fluffy, it’s not depressing- it strikes a good balance.” - Sheila Hamilton Aeclectic Tarot.

“… Careful research, rendering and presentation does not disappoint. I was especially thrilled with the choice of artist…Ferguson first stepped on the tarot scene with [Legend the Arthurian Tarot] what has since become a tarot classic. Since then, her fans (myself included) have anxiously awaited the release of a new deck. Ferguson’s style is suited to the major myth cycles… Her gorgeous watercolours are clearly the result of not only great technical skill, but a deep visceral connection with the subject matter.… Ferguson’s Priestess card is the most powerful visual depiction of Cerridwen I have ever seen, hands down”. - Elizabeth Genco, Endicott Redux

“I hope this deck will continue to stay in print. It’s a classic… Ferguson truly is a gifted scholar and the breadth and depth of her knowledge shows in this deck. It’s also a great collector’s item… As a seasoned tarot reader I found the Llewellyn tarot to be full of knowledge … [and] delightfully easy to read with… The guidebook… also has much Welsh folklore and mythology that I found an incredible read…[it] should be equally enlightening to any seasoned tarotist - when I get to a Major Arcana, I love looking it up in the guidebook to learn more about Welsh mythology. The young readers will love learning from the Rider Waite system on this deck… you will see her own imaginative details in many of the cards…the subtle detailing (is) beautiful. For example, the bee in the foreground of the nine cups. I wish this had been my first deck.” - Benebell Wen, author of Holistic Tarot

“Ferguson returned to the tarot, and history and culture of Wales in The Llewellyn Tarot. Ferguson looked to the Druidic and bardic figure of Myrddin for the Hermit, Taliesin for the Hierophant, and other Welsh – Arthurian characters. And she evokes the mood and atmosphere of the Arthurian world through her illustrations of the wild and remote landscapes, the silky tales of water fairies, sunken cities, otherworldly encounters and lively individualistic heroes.”- Barbara Tepa Lupack, author of Illustrating Camelot, D.S. Brewer 2008.

“…Ferguson brings life to Welsh myths… the tales that she portrays catch with a gasp of awe in the throat, there is atmosphere here, and magic as old as the mountains of Wales. She paints with the depth of connection that I have rarely seen in other decks. The artist succeeds in… effective exploration of this system of myths that can perplex the most adept of mythologists. She offers a guiding hand that makes sense of the complexities of Celtic myth and the teachings they contain… What we have here is a treasure of mythology ... The familiar patterns of the tarot are maintained with the addition of mythology that opens the channel to a powerful ancient magic. The wonderful thing about this deck is its ability to be timeless; the artist has taken an ancient body of myth and made it entirely applicable to the 21st-century. There is an authenticity here…  Gwydion in his role as magician invoker of trees, Arainrhod sings as she turns the Wheel of Fortune, Branwen is radiant beauty of stars… All and more … to guide you deeper into Welsh myth… and magic of the Celts.”- Excerpts from article by author Kristoffer Hughes, The Llewellyn Journal

“With her knowledge of the tarot and her talent as an artist Ferguson has produced a second beautiful deck. She must also be given kudos for her ability to fit the Welsh stories and myths into the tarot framework. This is truly a beautiful production! The Fool card is the first to take your breath away…the Death card surrounded by a yellow halo tipped with orange seems to radiate a sense of renewal… The Chariot has moved from land to sea with horses white and slightly green plowing through the ocean as part of the wave. The truly powerful and arresting image...  beautiful addition to the world of the tarot!" -- Richard WhiteHawk, Aeclectic Tarot

 “One of my favourite decks… has been Legend the Arthurian Tarot. What Legend did for Arthur, The Llewellyn Tarot does for the Welsh, as equivalent. The Lovers card is one of the most sensual cards I have ever seen…the Sun card radiates energy…the Judgement is homage to” The Sleepers”, the legendary Kings who rise when their country is in need of them. I absolutely love this image of the Judgement card. Ferguson’s court cards vibrate with emotion and clarity.” -  Errol McClendon, CTM, CTI, Tarot

“I have reviewed a lot of tarot decks and sets. This one, The Llewellyn Tarot, is one of the most beautiful and magical I have ever seen.”- Nyt Kitchen.

 “The Llewellyn Tarot is just as beautiful as Legend the Arthurian Tarot…The major Arcana are absolutely stunning, with some provocative choices each card. The minor Arcana… are so beautiful and easy to read that they make this deck. Highly recommended alternative to the Rider Waite, and choice for both beginners and experienced readers.” - Kim Huggens, Aeclectic Tarot.

“Her artwork has graced the pages of books and been exhibited in museums. Her work is exquisite… full figures… graceful and inspired. Looking through the deck it is well worth it the artwork alone. If you are like me, and not familiar with the Welsh legends the major Arcana will [require] a small learning curve, then you will find this material easy to work with and lovely to read.... I used this deck with clients, they were impressed with the artwork, but also fascinated with the stories and associations. Llewellyn has a winner here, with a lovely deck, original content and an easy-to-use product.” - The Wiccan/Pagan Times

“…Watercolours that immediately draw the viewer into a world that expands and comes a life.… The companion book - captivating legends of heroes and deities and Celtic lore.”- Eva Yaa Asantewaa Book ‘Em! Reviews

“I am in love with Ferguson’s work.…who painted the tarot deck and wrote the companion book… the result of five years of intense study and creation by this artist, already knowledgeable and well-known for her creation of Legend the Arthurian Tarot and her illustrations to be Cassell addition of Le Morte d’ Arthur. The companion book… is a summary description of the story chosen for the card…and often spur you to run to the nearest bookstore and surf the net to read more… This is an excellent deck. (Legend the Arthurian Tarot, quite likely is my favourite deck.)” - Marcello Tarot Review

Le Morte d'Arthur

Sampling of reviews

Amazon average customer reviews Cassells/Ferguson edition, 2016 Canada = 5 stars; U.K. 5 stars; USA = 4.5 stars

“…There had been varying Arthurian spin-offs without number, both in fantasy, fiction, and in film. But none to my mind, has half the power or passion of Malory, so try the real thing… The magnificent illustrations by Annamarie Ferguson are as magical as the ones by Alan Lee, the Lord of the rings.” –Christina Hardyment, The Independent newspaper London U.K

 “A beautifully illustrated new addition… Anna-Marie Ferguson’s pictures convey the mythical element superbly.”- The Daily Express, national newspaper London UK.

“The high point of Cassell and company’s millennial publication of Le Morte d’ Arthur (2000) was its magnificent original artwork. Although her interpretation of classic Arthurian themes and motifs respected both Malory’s text and the long tradition of Morte illustration, Ferguson took an innovative approach to the Arthurian stories by introducing non-traditional elements into familiar scenes, emphasizing unusual characters and events, and highlighting the role of the natural world in the legends. It is precisely this combination of tradition, innovation, and artistic creativity that makes her Morte as distinctive as it is historic.” – Barbara Tepa Lupack, Illustrating Camelot D.S Brewer U.K.

“Rushed out now and secure your copy of this beautifully printed, gloriously illustrated new edition…  I simply love this book, and so will you.”- The Field magazine UK.

“… Lovely edition is notable for the evocative illustrations… The Sylvan romance, the chivalry, even the horror of Malory’s work is here… [In] her illustration of Chapel Perilous– skeleton-like soldiers pass under shrouded penitents in a deathly winter-scape – like a Tim Burton version of the invasion of hell’s armies.” - The Globe and Mail national newspaper, Canada

“…newly illustrated; and this alone makes the edition, significant, even historic –being the first complete full text of the Morte to be illustrated by woman. Like William Russell Flint’s illustrations and other well-known male illustrators… such as Aubrey Beardsley and Arthur Rackham, some of Ferguson’s fine representations of scenes and characters from Malory are likely to become iconic. The illustrations … are worthy of their historical importance….It is always enlightening to be presented with such unclichédillustrations, which not only demonstrate the illustrator has been a careful reader, but which also helps to focus attention on important characters, events, or details. The body of images that an artist chooses to depict can even make a critical statement about the text…The illustrations show a familiarity with the artistic and literary tradition, but which contains surprises and insights that makes them a visual delight that make this addition well worth acquiring.” - Alan Lupack, Arthuriana, Journal of the International Arthurian Soc. Vol 11 #2, 2001. (Author of the Oxford Guide to Arthurian Literature).

 “… Clear renditions of Malory’s own imagery with elements inspired by more ancient Celtic traditions… Anna-Marie has chosen the subjects well, taking elements of Malory’s text into her work, whilst allowing herself the freedom to let her own imagination run free. The result is a beautiful, entrancing blend of mediaeval world intermixed with pagan imagery. The Maid of Astolat – depiction of purity which I feel would have captured the hearts of Tennyson and the Pre-Raphaelites. From the clever expressions of “Tristan and Isoud” to the pageantry, grandeur and fantasy, of “Elaine comes to Camelot”… These illustrations capture the whole range of emotions within Le Morte d’ Arthur and bring an already epic work to rich and wonderful life. I highly recommend this book. It is a marvel and labour of love.” – Pendragon: Journal of the Pendragon Society, Vol XXIX #3, 2001.

“…In her Morte, Ferguson employed numerous oppositions – between ‘quiet and battle, forest and castle, male and female, court life and politics and solitary spiritual movements, even piety and sex’ – all of which created a symphonic ‘variety and movement.’ In her illustration [of Lancelot and the Four Queens] Ferguson focuses attention on the women and gives the scene a decidedly feminist – and humorous – twist …Magic is evident in the ‘borderland otherworldly feel’ of “Ship of Twelve Maidens,” in which the hued sails of the mystical vessel seemed to blend into the pale colours of twilight. The image invokes a perfect sense of silence, of absolute harmony with nature. With old growth and darkness, Ferguson created an altogether appropriate sense of morbidity [for Chapel Perilous]. The suffering of Bragwaine as she bears Isoud’s jealousy [is depicted]; the frenzy of the Balin; the majesty of the great castles; the calm, half-light, otherworldly atmosphere of Avalon …One particular image in the edition proved defining. Morgan le Fay, fearless, larger-than-life, looks directly out of the book, as if to draw the reader into her enchantment.  Muriel Whitaker, author of The Arthurian Legend in Art  concludes that :Ferguson’s vertical spaces (the heights and depths of the settings), which recall the best of Gustave Dore’s folios, are masterfully conveyed; her ‘great ladies’, like the best of Russell Flint’s Arthurian women, had distinctive attributes that imply their personalities; her penchant for ‘witty details’ that ‘function to relieve the tension’ in her watercolours and line drawings alike resembles Arthur Rackham’s; and the ‘range and opulence of her palette’ is reminiscent of Flint and the Pre-Raphaelites.” - Barbara Tepa Lupack, excerpts from in-depth study in her book Illustrating Camelot, D.S. Brewer UK 2008.

“Le Morte d’ Arthur  and represents not only the first novel in English, but arguably the first novel of fantasy… seated in the imagination of successive generations profoundly influencing authors, artists and filmmakers, from the Pre-Raphaelites (artists), to directors is different as Boorman, Bresson and Monty Python… writers as distance as Twain, Steinbeck, the Inklings and Michael Moorcock. This is a book that deserves to grace the shelf of every serious reader speculative fiction. (Of editions published over the decades this) edition perhaps the most lavish with over sixty-two illustrations by… artist Anna-Marie Ferguson. This volume represents a coffee table version that should sit beside Pollard’s Medici version, or the Dent facsimile reprint with illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley.”- W. Thompson, the SF Site

“… No previous Malory illustrator has so dramatically conveyed the immensity of the castles and their wilderness setting. Witty definition also affects other characters… King Pellinore who lolls, his feet resting on his shield awaiting a challenger.[Artists] Beardsley and Flint focused on female characters, the former to satirize chivalry, the latter because semi naked women were his favourite subject. Now not only queens and fays but also secondary characters such as the tortured Bragwaine and other even nameless damsels are given local habitations and distinct personalities. Costume is not the period indicator but a key to personality. More subtle is Ferguson’s ability to add psychic depth, ‘as in the sword and the stone’. In the foreground, mounted on a circular stone is the anvil from which Arthur draws Excalibur. In the middle ground, face shields like ancient Green Men are embedded in the oaks beside a guarding knight [with] hands resting on his cross like sword. In the distance through arching branches is the suggestion of the church – pagan and Christian mysteries are cleverly integrated. Illustrating chivalric romance requires facility in drawing horses. Edward Burne-Jones confessed ‘I can’t do then anything like as well as some chaps’. Having grown up with horses… Ferguson convincingly depicts the flaring nostrils and laid-back ears, and horse’s dust raising sprawl in a tournament. When Arthur receives Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake, Balin strikes the Dolorous Blow, Arthur dreams of the terrible dragon, Galahad sees the Grail borne by six winged seraph, and the dying king is carried to Avalon, water, mist, reflection, shadow, moonlight, and otherworldly illuminations are used so effectively that mundane boundaries are dissolved. The seamless integration of figures and setting, revealing the artist’s excellent sense of composition, induces the reader to live within the landscape responding with wonder and fear. The longing to escape a materialistic present, making romantic medievalism currently so popular, is well served by this noble text and its entrancing illustrations.”- Muriel Whitaker, excerpts from Arthuriana, Journal of the International Arthurian Soc. Vol 11 #2, 2001. Whitaker -author of The Arthurian Legend in Art, D.S. Brewer Cambridge

“Outstanding illustrated version. Some of these breathtaking, elaborate watercolours and pen and inks have hung in museums, [and include] Tintagel Castle, sword in the stone, Merlin and Nimue… With remarkable accuracy, Ferguson captures every nuance of the historical period – Knight’s armor, intricate architecture, and the English forests with their abundant flora and fauna. Yet she also revels in the fantasy, with mysterious and magical landscapes, misty and moonlit. These legends have always been a treat but the mind and now they are a feast the eyes too.”- Geometry.Net-Celebrities Book                                                       

“It is remarkable to be able to experience this quality imagery in this form – the entire series of illustrations Le Morte d’ Arthur. The luminosity that radiates from the watercolour draws that you are into reveal textural detail and services that are extraordinary. Ferguson’s skill in narrative description this beautifully reinforced by her skills with her medium. The small pen and ink drawings are absolute gems of light, line and delicate texture. Her all-consuming passion her subject is powerfully expressed… It will indeed be a magnificent book”. - Dave More, Review of museum exhibit Le Morte d’ Arthur

“Ferguson has a fine…style with both watercolour brush and pen… [And] her masterly use of light. These are not mere illustrations, rather, the artist has made them invitations to consider the world of a king Arthur. In summary, this is a welcome new addition to the Malory Canon, and one well worth owning.”- Ian M. Slater, “Caxton’s Malory, Penguin and Others.”  

Legend the Arthurian Tarot

Sampling of Reviews

Amazon average customer review of Legend the Arthurian Tarot - box set,  possible 5 stars 2016: Canada = 4.5 stars, 25 reviews; UK =5 stars,30 reviews; USA = 4.5 stars, 40 reviews.

Legend Tarot Deck sold separately: Canada=5 stars, 28 reviews; UK= 4.5 stars, 10 plus reviews; USA = 4 .5 stars, 25 reviews.

A keeper of Words, companion book sold separately: Canada=5 stars, 15 reviews; UK= 4.5 stars, 15 reviews; USA= 4.5 stars, 10 reviews.

“… obviously a labour of love by gifted person and is successful in both areas (myth and tarot). The cards are evocative watercolour paintings and are accompanied by a well-organized and well- written handbook. I am a keen student of tarot design and symbolism and I find this a very pleasing successful competent.”-  Fred Steadman-Jones, Journal of the Pendragon Society, UK.

“…stunning watercolour artwork with one of the most amazing bodies of research I have ever encountered – every single card corresponds to a specific aspect of the King Arthur myth. Extraordinary!” – Michelle Morgan, author of A Magical Course in Tarot, Conari Press.

“…thoroughly researched both the tarot and Arthurian legends… she includes introductions and background on both, [and] an extensive bibliography…. a valuable addition to any tarot collection and also great for those interested in romantic fantasy of the Middle Ages.” American Tarot Assoc.

“The future of tarot scholarship… lies, I believe, within the area of cultural studies. It is in this type of space that texts such as talented artist Anna-Marie Ferguson’s A Keeper of Words can be given the academic attention they deserve. A companion text to her superbly illustrated Legend the Arthurian Tarot (presented as a set of watercolour images), this book examines both popular as well as little-known Arthurian legends (for example, the Cauldron of Annwn…). Not only is Ferguson undisputedly one of the finest present day tarot artists, her command over, and knowledge of, obscure Arthurian legends is nothing short of impressive.”  -  Chishty-Mujahid, Nadya “The Problem of Placement- Tarot Studies as Scholarship”, The Pomegranate 9.2(2007)190-201, print Equinox Publishing, London UK 2007.

“Still one of my favourite decks, even after having reviewed well over 400 decks, which says a lot! Fans of the Arthurian legend… will gain tremendous insight from use of this deck. Those unfamiliar with the legends will likely gain an interest… The book is invaluable in gaining the necessary insights into the deck and the legend, so I still only recommend the set.”- Wicce, print

“[A Keeper of Words] Ferguson has thoroughly researched both the tarot and the Arthurian legends… Her book is well organized for reference use that still kept my attention cover to cover. ”- LexFA

“I highly recommend both book and deck… bought together! The gifts and symbolism carried within the myths/legend of far reaching. It is an excellent deck for any use… at all levels… personal reading, reading for others, meditation, or dream work – this book and deck are wonderful tools for empowerment.” - Bonnie Cehovet, MetaArts Magazine

“… Deck of impeccable beauty… The artist’s skill in capturing the spirit of the legend, while maintaining tarot symbolism is impressive. The book is a valuable resource and also wonderful reading! Highly recommended.” – Abracadabra, print

“… Fifteen years I have been an avid collector of tarot cards… because I find them to be both beautiful and capable of carrying the hidden truths that mythology also attempts to express. When the tarot is combined with mythology by talented artist… the result draws in a mystical heaven. Such is the case with Legend the Arthurian Tarot … the first deck I ever owned… has remained, my hands down, favourite deck… lush, magical, and imbued with a sense of reverence….  With every use [and reading of accompanying book A Keeper of Words] I walked away with more wisdom, both from the tarot itself and the Arthurian myth. I highly encourage you to look into Ferguson’s work.” - Mythic Musings: Mythology, Mysticism and History, web

“… One of those rare decks, where artist also wrote the accompanying book… you can tell this is an inspired work, and I am not even an Arthurian fan! Deep images. Highly recommended.” - Sage Woman, print

“This box set is exquisitely done, enabling the user to learn more about the tarot and Arthurian myths… I totally recommend it. - Stone Scenes, print

“… an intricate and elaborate work… seventy-eight cards that paired the ancient system of the tarot with the Arthurian mythology by giving each of the traditional figures and Arthurian counterparts… The 256-page companion volume, A Keeper of Words …which draws its title from an early version of the Grail legends… outlines the correspondences in great detail. She explains, for example, the traditional Magician card… symbolizes many things, including skill and wisdom, and noble use personal talent. The Magician becomes the Merlin of Arthurian legend. Near Merlin’s feet is a wolf, his familiar, with whom he enjoys the trusting and respectful relationship… the Priestess card is Nimue, one of the priestesses of Avalon. Perhaps the most haunting figure… is Morgan le Fay [depicted in The Moon card]. The Arthurian symbology is also carried over into the four suites – spears, swords, cups, and shields… The correspondences are obvious( i.e. the Grail Lance as ace of spears, the Knight of Two Swords as the two swords, the Holy Grail as ace of Cups, Tristan and Isolt as two of cups. The design and execution of an entire tarot was certainly no small accomplishment… she had to remain conscious of varying moods, seasons, landscape, and palette – the elements that.... make her tarot a hit among critics and enthusiasts alike.”- Barbara Tepa Lupack, author of Illustrating Camelot, D.S. Brewer U.K.

“… Inspiring of interest in Arthurian tales… [and a] very people friendly deck will not put off folks who are not knowledgeable of the tarot.-I highly recommended.”-  Intuitive Explorations

“…highly evocative, beautifully painted by illustrator… who conceptualized the deck and wrote the accompanying book entitled A Keeper of Words… a fascinating job of interpreting the tarot through the lens of the Arthurian myth. I was absolutely delighted with this volume and deck...” - Leah Samul, Tools of the Trade, print

“I have not yet come across anyone who has disliked this deck in anyway, and many beginners have found it easy to use….My first impression of this brilliant deck was… quite frankly, stunning… after two years this is still my reaction. The characters and events chosen to correspond to [the cards] fit perfectly… I strongly suggest purchasing the set, since the accompanying book [A Keeper of Words] is just as wonderful as the deck, and can easily be read independently of using the deck…it is a masterpiece in itself and far exceeded my expectations. Not only a tarot explanation of each card…it talks about the tarot in general its use, history, the symbolism, etc.… as well as retelling and exploring the Arthurian legends quite deeply.”-  Tarot Passages, UK

“A tarot worth the trees that died in its making. Although comparisons will be made with the other Arthurian book & deck by John Matthews Hallowquest, which is virtually assistant unto itself – this [set Legend the Arthurian Tarot] is different: a remarkably strong and beautifully presented treatment of the matter at Britain that is also fully workable tarot.  A Keeper of Words, is a delight as a compendium of well researched, well-written Arthurian lore. Ferguson’s love and broad knowledge of the subject shines through... There is a wonderful entrancement in using these cards.”  - Assoc. editor Tarot Network News, print

  “In A Keeper of Words Ferguson succeeds admirably in her task of blending ancient and powerful mythic sources of Arthurian tradition in the tarot divinatory system. Her book demonstrates admirably how the tarot images connect with the traditional magic of the four main arteries of Arthurian legends.” - Editor Sirius U.K.

 “The conception, design, artwork and book are all the work of Anna-Marie Ferguson and an impressive work it is. The cards have and otherworldly quality to them… The book is a wonderful introduction to this western world mythos. A truly magical tarot!” - DeckReviewFive

“… Art that not only aptly reflect the Arthurian mysteries, but also pays tribute to the classic interpretations of the standard tarot. The book [A Keeper of Words] is well written and very navigationally friendly. The descriptions are not overly verbose and correlation between scene depicted and interpretation given is deftly woven… angelical transition… A lovely set.” - Diva Digest, web

“…  She brings the heroes and heroines to life through the beautifully illustrated portraits with deep symbolism… [A Keeper of Words] weaves magic through the retelling of the legends… Wonderful addition to your collection.” –Julia Stahl, Nimue’s Garden

 “This beautifully crafted and research deck is a gem for lovers of the tarot, as well as the Arthurian legend. I recommend it to all Arthurian enthusiasts as well as students of the tarot.” - C Lukens