My list is probably just a reflection of how little reading I have done on the subject recently:
"78 Degrees of Wisdom" - It must be over 20 years since I took this out from the library and read it. I really do think it formed the foundation for my understanding of the cards, and I must get hold of my own copy! I think it would probably be on the list no matter how many books I read. It's accessible but deep, and made me realise that the Tarot is about much more than just fortune-telling. It also got me reading Carl Jung and all sorts of interesting stuff.
"The Key to the Tarot" - I got this when I first bought the Rider Waite cards. Then it went missing, probably in one of my numerous moves, so I recently picked up the 'Revised and Updated edition' on a day trip to Glastonbury. It's shrunk! Maybe not a bad thing, as I remember that Waite was not a man to use one word when ten would do. Still, I wish I had the full version so I could decide what to skip myself. I know people knock this book, but its interesting to read the interpretations of the man himself, even if he does seem to be holding a lot back. (It's that Masonic thing, I guess...)
Geddes and Grosset (publishers) "Guide to the Tarot": I bought this about seven years ago in my local Co-op store (supermarket) for around £1.50. It doesn't even name the author! That's a shame; they have reason to be pleased with themselves as it's a great little introduction to the Rider Waite Tarot (much better for beginners than "The Key to the Tarot") which explains the symbolism of each card and gives divinatory meanings. It also gives a variety of spreads. A serendipitous find, it rekindled my interest, the same as coming across this site has now. :¬)
