Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them [Paperback]

Hans Biedermann (Author), James Hulbert (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0452011183 | ISBN-13: 978-0452011182 | Publication Date: January 1, 1994

A rose, a cross, a heart, and hundreds of other common items hold great symbolic value--their meanings as varied as they are powerful. This encyclopedic work explores the rich and diverse meanings of more than 2,000 symbols, delving into the power of symbols in the past and present worlds of mythology, fairy tales, religion, literature, history, and archaeology. Over 600 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This reference work defines symbols not only as visual icons (including shapes, color, and geometric designs) but also as biblical, classical, and mythological figures; botanics; minerals; and animals (real and mythical) as they relate to literature, dreams, art, and so forth. The choice of the over 2000 cross-referenced terms included here was necessarily subjective, for almost anything in the universe can be construed as having an emblematic meaning. Prehistorical to modern periods are covered and, although there is a Western emphasis, the author attempts to place symbols in appropriate cultural contexts. This work, which consolidates much arcane information, is valuable for its elucidation of both the esoteric and commonplace. Generally recommended, although there is no need to duplicate if a collection has sufficient works of this nature. A similar title, Carl G. Liungman's Dictionary of Symbols , was chosen as one of LJ 's best reference books of 1991.--Ed.
- Janice Braun, Oakland, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Plume (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452011183
• ISBN-13: 978-0452011182
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Art
  • #68 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Research and Detailed, April 14, 1999

By A Customer

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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Paperback)

I purchased this book along with "The Encyclopedia of Symbolism" by Kevin Todeschi. While "Encyclopedia" was a huge disappointment (see that review) this book more than made up for it. It's easy to use as there's an Index of all included words in the back and a pictorial index of symbols and icons. The book covers all you would expect with many drawings. I was surprised by the level of depth and detail given for meanings to include historic facts and elaborate definitions. You probably won't find everything you're looking for in here but what it does offer is well done.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, comprehensive resource!, July 7, 2003

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Candice "anthropologist" (REDMOND, WA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Paperback)

I refer to the Dictionary of Symbolism so often that I always keep it close at hand. It is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in mythology, Jungian dream analysis, biblical symbolism, cross-cultural meanings and myths, the history of symbols, etc. This is no simple listing of symbolic meanings -- it is a substantial book with extensive information on each entry, very often with illustrations.

For example, someone mentioned the "Chicken Little" story recently, and I looked up the word "hen." There I found an entry describing both the positive and negative symbolism of hens as protective mothers and also as foolish, confused birds, with two illustrations and information from Matthew, Africa and Europe. I was surprised to find so much. On the same day I looked up Prometheus, Mercury and "rock."

Not only are the entries detailed, but there are an enormous number of them. The index at the back is a great cross-listing. Unfortunately, for every symbol in the universe to be listed, there would need to be several volumes. But for a single volume, this one is pretty comprehensive.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay book--if you don't have an alternative, March 17, 2007

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Paul Seaman (Concord, CA (SF Bay Area)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Culture Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Hardcover)

I ordered this book from Amazon along with two other dictionaries of symbols. I like this one the least. While it seems to be relatively thorough, it had misinformation (or, to put it kindly, "ambiguous and incomplete language") and bias in the first two entries I looked up. This dictionary says that Joan of Arc "died by the sword" (without the quotes). Everyone knows she was burned at the stake. If the author was being figurative, he should have been more careful, esp. when he doesn't elaborate on Joan's actual history. Second, under "sword" he states that because Genesis describes an angel posted at the gate of the Garden of Eden "with a flaming sword," and swords weren't invented then (traditionally, 4,000 BC), this shows that "the Biblical account does not date from the era it describes." This is an astoundingly stupid statement, especially from someone who presumably specializes in historic research. By definition, ALL history is written after the events that took place, especially accounts (or myths) set in pre-history. Plus, the sword in question is wielded by an angel, a supernatural figure not constrained by time or human (physical/geological) limitations.
This author also says that the Japanese short sword, the wakizashi, was used for ritual suicide. Maybe, sometimes. But usually it was the tanto, or long knife that was used for sepeku.
Buy Jack Tresidder,'s "Complete Dictionary of Symbols" instead. It has the same number of entries (2000), but is about 60 pages longer. It has a much more attractive layout, very useful cross-referencing and specially highlighted "boxed" articles. More important, it also footnotes many of its key sources--something Biedermann doesn't bother with.