This book is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (Universal Waite, specifically), and describes each card in detail. I'll admit that because I'm not planning on using that deck exclusively, I didn't pay much attention to those descriptions. However, I did read pretty much everything in the chapters regarding the cards themselves, and I found it helpful and informative without being condescending or the feeling that Ms. Dean was commanding, from on high, that the cards MUST be interpreted in the way she describes.
One thing I really liked about this book were the spreads based on the Major Arcana cards. Once I passed out of that section and discovered they did not continue through the Minor Arcana, I was disappointed. I do understand why she didn't create spreads for every single card, though. For one, that would have been time-consuming. It also would have been difficult to come up with a spread for every card. And the Minor Arcana cards don't really lend themselves to such spreads, while the Major Arcana, which represent the larger or signature events in the querent's life, were further illuminated by the spreads Ms. Dean provided.
I also liked the additional notes describing the cards' relations to Numerology and other esoteric systems. Though I'm not sure how much I'll use all that knowledge, it's good to know it's there.
At the end of the book, Ms. Dean offers various appendices regarding esoteric knowledge systems related to the tarot. I'll admit I just skimmed over most of this, but it seems comprehensive and informative. More than likely, I'll be going over it in more detail as I get to know tarot better, as I feel no knowledge offered should be ignored, even if I choose not to use it once I've acquired it.
Overall, I enjoyed Ms. Dean's book and plan on rereading it and using it as a good starting-point reference guide for tarot readings if I realize I have some question about a reading. I would recommend this book to any beginner, but would advise them to purchase, if possible, a Universal Waite Tarot deck so they may study the cards in comfort without having to hold a book.