An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols [Hardcover]

J.C. Cooper (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1978

In nearly 1500 entries, many of them strikingly and often surprisingly illustrated, J. C. Cooper has documented the history and evolution of symbols from prehistory to our own day.

With over 200 illustrations and lively, informative and often ironic texts, she discusses and explains an enormous variety of symbols extending from the Arctic to Dahomey, from the Iroquois to Oceana, and coming from systems as diverse as Tao, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Tantra, the cult of Cybele and the Great Goddess, the Pre-Columbian religions of the Western Hemisphere and the Voodoo cults of Brazil and West Africa. 210 black-and-white illustrations

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd; First Edition edition (November 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500012016
• ISBN-13: 978-0500012017
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent research source, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols (Paperback)

I recently used this book for a research report on number symbolism. While becoming familiar with the text, I realized that the book contained extensive information on all symbols. After the report, I decided to purchase the book for future reference. Mr. Cooper did an outstanding and comprehensive job researching all types of symbols. Furthermore, by dividing his analysis of each symbol into different cultures, comparing and contrasting meaning was simple. I am indebted to this excellent reference source.

89 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most thorough dictionary of symbols., July 28, 1999

By 

Krista Grevstad ([e-mail] (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols (Paperback)

J.C. Cooper's Dictionary of Symbols is the most thorough dictionary of symbology available. For its cultural diversity, clarity, and fairness of discourse it is without parallel. Cooper has been meticulous in her researches providing perspectives from all relevant fields of mysticism. Illustrations are classic rendering an ancient perspective on timeless themes. The dictionary also avoids gendre exclusive language in general while remaining faithful to original systems of belief. A most invaluable source for any work related to symbology, signs, iconic references, religious motifs and philosophical research to name a handful of endeavours that would benefit from Cooper's work. She is without peer in terms of having produced a reference guide that will be used long into the next millenium. A solid, integral piece of scholarship.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, December 24, 2004

By 

Cassandra (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols (Paperback)

An excellent resource on symbolism. Very comprehensive in presenting information from many traditions and cultures. Includes wonderful illustrations and photos that serve to enrich the information provided. As well as being informative, it provides the reader with much to think about and deepen his/her understanding of symbols. Indispensible in my library.