When you’re shopping for sets, check the card size against your hands and look at the finish - matte or linen shuffles easier than glossy. If you plan to read reversals, make sure the backs aren’t one-directional. Also check that it comes with a real companion book, not just the little white pamphlet. Publisher previews and flip-through videos help with this.
The Wild Unknown deck comes in a really nice box set with a guidebook. Good option if you want both together ![]()
Actually, 78 Degrees of Wisdom isn’t tied to a specific deck - it’s more about RWS philosophy and meanings. If you want a true deck-and-book pair, the Easy Tarot kit (Gilded Tarot + Josephine Ellershaw) and Everyday Tarot box (Brigit Esselmont’s mini deck + guide) are both designed as complete sets with spreads and exercises.
For non-RWS stuff, the CBD Tarot de Marseille with Yoav Ben-Dov’s companion book works well for learning pip-style reading. They’re often sold together.
Quick tip: box set descriptions can be vague. Check for page counts over 150 or so - otherwise you might just get a leaflet.