Customer Reviews

Dictionary of Symbolism: Culture Icons and the Meanings Behind Them

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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.

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.

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.

This is an essential lexicon for the numerous symbols and cultural icons that have appeared or have their origins mainly in the western tradition. After reading the many definitions, it dawned on me that many symbols are simply misunderstood by popular culture and used in the wrong context. This text also takes the meaning of certain symbols and traces their root derivations, showing that meaning changes as the culture changes; and that different cultures use the same icon or symbol for entirely different purposes. Because our world is rife with signifiers, it would be a daunting task indeed to provide a comprehensive collection. Though what Biedermann has done is capture those symbols and icons that he believes have been the most significant throughout western civilization.

A good example of a symbol that has been appropriated is the swastika. Anyone seeing this symbol in present time will associate it with Adolf Hitler's Nazi party. However this symbol has it roots from a pre-Aryan civilization, Mohenjo-Daro, circa 2000 B.C., in ancient China. It was also seen in old Buddhist traditions and certain Gnostic sects in late antiquity.

This important text would be invaluable in any researcher's library as it contains nearly 600 entries and over 2000 symbols. Highly recommended for students of history, religion and philosophy.

This is an excellent resource for the study of literature. I love watching my students use this book to heighten their understanding of the material we cover. I am constantly amazed by the connections they make that I never considered!

Okay -- I'll admit that I have it in the bathroom, but only because I want to read every item and it is a good place for quick reading.

As an aspiring writer of fantasy -- which I don't understand because I don't care for fantasy -- I need to have some understand of these symbols and how they relate to my stories. I have been able to connect bits and pieces into my understanding and imagination and come up with a new way to express the details of the pictures I have in my head.

This is, by far, one of the most useful reference books I have.

Entries are very good and informative for cultural studies. I was interested in it for dream analysis where it was not as good, although it is a tall order to cover a scope so wide. For instance, I thought there would be something symbolic for digging a hole or flying perhaps, but to no avail. Maybe I haven't got the right book and need one with the word 'Dreams' in the title somewhere.

I fone is studying philosophy, literature, anthropology, history or religion, this book could be a tremendous help. It covers symbols from all cultures and describes their uses and effect. Lots of diagrams and easy to follow.

I realy enjoye this book, it's easy to use and the explanations are clair and simple and include differents aspects and meaning. this book is great to have... tks

This book is full of interesting information on symbolism from throughout history, from many cultures. It has a very extensive dictionary from A to Z of symbolism and cultural icons, with quite a few illustrations. In the back there is also a Pictorial Index of symbols along with page numbers to help make searching for them easier.