L. W. De Laurence 
The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination 

This book is a practical guide on the art of Tarot, helping novice and experienced readers better understand this mysterious art. The book starts with an insight into the history of the Tarot and its connection with some occult parts of the past. Further, the authors go into great detail about the Greater and Lesser Arcanas, the Veil of Divinations, its secrets, symbols, traditions, and methods. It is believed that a significant part of the text was copied from a similar book by the British author g A.E. Waite, called ‘The Pictorial Key to the Tarot.’ L.W. de Laurence used the loops in the copyright law during WWI and published the British book in the United States, as in that period, the interest in esoterica and Tarot was looming.

About the author

Lauron William de Laurence (1868 – 1936) was an American author and publisher on occult and spiritual topics. He was an owner of the publishing house De Laurence, Scott & Co. and a pioneer supplying magical and mysterious goods by mail order. He made money on publishing public domain books on esoteric and occult topics. Being well-read in copyright law, he also used loops in legislation to re-publish occult books by other authors, which raised plagiarism accusations. Although, L. W. de Laurence also published his books, including The Master Key, a personal development book.