The Pictorial Key to the Tarot: Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition Under the Veil of Divination | 
so-soI would recommend this from a historical perspective on tarot, or if you work with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. But in terms of actually learning tarot, I've found many more helpful guides out there. Depends on why you're reading it.
"Swords, Ten: A prostrate figure, pierced by all the swords belonging to the card. Divinatory Meanings: Whatsoever is intimated by the design; also pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent death." --gee, thanks
"I wish therefore to say, within the reserves of courtesy and la haute convenance belonging to the fellowship of research, that I care nothing utterly for any view that may find expression."
One day I will tell someone off like this.
Oh congratulations on mentioning Pamela Colman Smith, but I'm sure she would have appreciated a bit more credit in her lifetime for bringing the tarot to life.
