A well-written and concise book that has the same beautiful artwork as the card case (the foiled gold floral work and glossy jet-black ground is even more attractive in the book cover's larger format).
The deck is sold separately on Amazon but a set is available elsewhere, being a shrink-wrapped box (no lid), book, deck, deck-sized guide by Kaplan and disposable paper 'spreadsheet' (Celtic spread). And some polystyrene blocks.
Back to the book:
Cynthia is a great writer and her enthusiasm for the subject is carried through this thick soft-cover, the first half of which details the history of Russia and city of St Petersburg.
Most Tarot readers will have bought the deck purely on it's looks (rather than it's Russian theme), as I did, but you would be wise to get the book at the same time - the small guide that comes with the deck is about right but when I was learning the cards for the first time, I found that the book would unlock the interpretations that the guide could not.
I studied my cards with both guides open and only occasionally had recourse to consult the web on a few very tricky card meanings.
Additional:
Three months later I am still pinning down the meanings which seem to need constant 'tweaking' and adjusting in light of the other card's meanings.
I do find that these cards give sensible readings when used, and their narrative is easily deduced. A recommended deck.
