Le Tarot des Bohémiens by Papus – Vintage Éditions Dangles Printing (c. 1925–1935)

A remarkable and highly collectible early printing of one of the most influential works ever written on tarot and Western esotericism. Written by Papus, founder of the modern Martinist movement and one of the foremost occult scholars of the Belle Époque, Le Tarot des Bohémiens is widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern tarot studies. First published in 1889, the work was extensively revised and expanded into the celebrated “Édition définitive” of 1911, incorporating Papus’ mature reflections on symbolism, Kabbalah, numerology, and the tarot as the “absolute key to occult science.” This copy is an early printing by Éditions Dangles, the historic Parisian publisher that preserved and reissued many of Papus’ most important works. Although printed later, likely between 1925 and 1935, it faithfully reproduces the complete text and layout of the definitive 1911 edition. Bibliographic Details Title: Le Tarot des Bohémiens Author: Papus (Dr Gérard Encausse) Subtitle: Clef absolue de la science occulte – Le plus ancien livre du monde Edition Statement: Édition définitive Publisher: Éditions Dangles Address: 38, rue de Moscou, Paris (8e) Probable Date: circa 1925–1935 Language: French Format: Original softcover wrappers (broché) Illustrations: Includes the 22 Major Arcana drawings by Gabriel Goulinat Condition A well-preserved copy in its original printed wrappers. Covers complete with age toning, stains, and edge wear Interior generally clean with light foxing Several pages remain unopened, a desirable feature for collectors Binding sound, with the characteristic untrimmed edges of early twentieth-century books Historical Importance Few books have had a greater influence on modern tarot than Le Tarot des Bohémiens. Papus synthesized occult traditions from the Kabbalah, Pythagorean numerology, Christian mysticism, and Hermetic philosophy, presenting the tarot as a universal symbolic language and a practical initiatory system. His ideas deeply shaped twentieth-century tarot scholarship and continue to inspire readers and researchers today. 🪶 Collector’s Note While not a true 1911 first printing, this is an authentic early Dangles issue of the definitive edition and remains highly sought after by collectors of tarot, occult literature, and French esoterica. Copies in original wrappers with unopened pages are increasingly scarce and offer a tangible connection to the formative period of modern tarot history.