Morgan-Greer Tarot
Based on the knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arthur Edward Waite.
The Morgan-Greer Tarot was first published in 1979 by Morgan & Morgan, Inc., and has been a popular favourite ever since. As stated on the box, the deck is "Based on the continued knowledge, wisdom and interpretation of Paul Foster Case and Arther Edward Waite." Therefore it follows the Golden Dawn order for the trumps, with Strength at VIII and Justice at XI. But it is William Greer's bold and colourful artwork that has endeared the deck to so many, and kept the deck in print to this day. Although the images echo those of the Rider Waite Smith deck, it is as though the artist has zoomed in on the subject matter, making it more intimate and arresting.
This effect is enhanced by the fact that the cards are borderless, and it was possibly the first tarot to ever be borderless. (Having said that, there was one very early printing which had a narrow black border, but copies of that version are extremely rare.) See the box►
The Court Cards
Another interesting feature of this deck is that there are 7 different back designs, all of which look the same at a glance, but in fact have several subtle differences. The basic design is of white stars on a blue background, but it is the number and size of the stars that differs. Also the first printing had a very pale wishy-washy blue background, which became darker and more solid with each successive printing, to the point where the backs of currently available decks don't even have a different number of stars anymore! The boxes have also changed over time (see the chart kindly provided by John Choma), and the deck is now even available as a mini deck in a tin. Images shown here are from a first edition example, with cards measuring 120 x 70mm.
The name of the company changed from Morgan Press Inc., for the Aquarian Tarot Deck, to Morgan & Morgan Inc., for the Morgan-Greer deck. Both have the address of Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522, which is on the back of both boxes. These are the only two tarots they ever produced that I am aware of.
By Adam West-Watson
Member since September 01, 2014
I have been fascinated by playing cards ever since I can remember, and still have several of the card games I had as a child. And although I had accumulated quite a number of packs of various sorts over the years, it wasn't until I was in my 50s that I began collecting in earnest. My tastes are quite varied, and my collection of 800 or so decks includes:- children's games, standard and non-standard playing cards, adult games, fortune telling and oracle cards, tarot cards, and even cigarette cards.
Related Articles
The Millenium Tarot: Tarot of the Four Worlds
First Australian Tarot, designed by Mary Susan Chamberlain, with artwork by Ziba Vilmanis-Westenberg...
Covered bridges playing cards
Historical covered bridges with photography by Bill Miller, 2006.
Motherpeace Round Tarot
An original and imaginative feminist tarot based on Goddess energy.
Victorian playing cards
54 different card designs including people, animals, flowers, costumes and ornaments popular during ...
Crown Hill playing cards
Crown Hill playing cards with illustrations by Corrine Guiney, USA,
O-Shlemiel card game
O-Shlemiel card game with Yiddish words and phrases.
Jeu de Tarot (Catel & Farcy)
Colourful version of a standard French (‘Bourgeois’) Tarot.
Hesslers Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck
Hesslers Maiden Back Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck, with enhanced visibility and a traditional look. ...
The Heart Deck™
Useful information about heart health on every card.
Star Trek® – The Original Series
Promotional pack for CIC Video with characters and starships from the original series of Star Trek. ...
Paris 2024 Olympics 2
A standard French Tarot game pack with passing references to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Colonial Art
A collection of 53 pieces of art showcasing detailed scenes from early American colonial life.
Animal Kingdom
Crafted by Hatch Design and benefitting the World Wildlife Fund, animal heads replace the traditiona...
Tarot – Images du Pays Basque
Seventy-eight photographic images of the French Basque Country on a pack for playing the game of Tar...
Classification of Numeral Card Designs in French-suited packs
The classification of numeral cards in French-suited packs, covering various pip designs in over 400...
Warner Bros 100th Anniversary
An array of famous characters from Warner Bros films in celebration of the company’s centenary.
Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here.