A Dictionary of Literary Symbols [Paperback]

Michael Ferber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 6, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0521690544 | ISBN-13: 978-0521690546 | Edition: 2

This is the first dictionary of symbols to be based on literature, rather than 'universal' psychological archetypes or myths. It explains and illustrates the literary symbols that we all frequently encounter (such as swan, rose, moon, gold), and gives hundreds of cross-references and quotations. The dictionary concentrates on English literature, but its entries range widely from the Bible and classical authors to the twentieth century, taking in American and European literatures. For this new edition, Michael Ferber has included over twenty completely new entries (including bear, holly, sunflower and tower), and has added to many of the existing entries. Enlarged and enriched from the first edition, its informed style and rich references make this book an essential tool not only for literary and classical scholars, but for all students of literature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Unlike many other dictionaries, this one is well written and invites browsing. ... Essential for all libraries.' International Review of Biblical Studies

Book Description

This second edition contains over twenty new entries, and additions to many existing entries. It explains and illustrates literary symbols frequently encountered (such as swan, rose, tower), along with hundreds of cross-references and quotations. An essential tool not only for literary and classical scholars, but for all students of literature.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (August 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521690544
• ISBN-13: 978-0521690546
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #742,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Welsh
  • #19 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Irish

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars First of its kind, but still downright mediocre., June 27, 2001

By 

"avartanian" (La Canada, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Dictionary of Literary Symbols (Paperback)

Not nearly comprehensive enough to be a definitive reference, more of a student's guide. Strongest on Romantic and Biblical literature. More coverage on how traditional symbols are manipulated and ironized in modern and contemporary fiction would also have been helpful. Not particularly helpful for medieval or Elizabethan literature.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference for students, June 20, 2006

By 

Jill A. Dahlman "Comic Kumu" (Honolulu, Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Dictionary of Literary Symbols (Paperback)

As a professor, I have found this book to be very helpful for my students. Let's face it, we all have to start learning someplace, and to have this guide to help that process along is a wonderful bonus. It isn't meant to be encyclopaedic--it's just meant as a decent guide. If you are just beginning to learn literary analysis and haven't quite figured out what all of those silly symbols mean and just who made this stuff up, anyway, this is a perfect book to help you along.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lit, March 26, 2011

By 

K. Preasmyer "Cali" (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Literary Symbols (Paperback)

Dictionary has everything I need as a Lit Major/Professor and many pertinent entries and descriptions. Also has a beautiful cover.