Customer Reviews

An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I found this book to be an indispensable companion while reading the works of Campbell and Jung. Extremely interesting and very thorough.

This is the only book I have ever read and used extensively. It combines all religions, symbols and interpretations in one book. The alphabetical form used by Cooper provides quick access to the subject. I have used this book for years in my work and private life. Whether it was for assistance in my profession or in dreamwork, I have not seen another book alike.

Reasonably priced, comprehensive, well illustrated, well organized. As an artist, I bought this for reference in designing meaningful tattoos for clients, and couldn't be more pleased. Not only does it list just about any symbolic image you'd think to put on your body (or your art in general), it's also a convenient size for dropping into your messenger bag or backpack without adding too much weight or bulk.

Over the last 18 years, I have reached for this book over and over again.

It is not a book of pictures, even though it has quite a few illustrations and pictures in it; rather, it gives very clear and deep meanings of symbols. This female author has great spiritual depth and insight. That is what makes this book such a treasure!

Most of the time, I find the word/symbol I am looking for. Occasionally I don't!

Still, I could not recommend it more highly.

Being since it is a book of symbols I was hoping for there to be pictures of the symbols, but there is only a few on the pages. Lots of information in the book, just not what I expected.

I got this book to help me with making an iconic tattoo and I couldn't be more satisfied. Every page offers great new information.

While I have just begun to enjoy this tremendous work that came highly recommended to me, I am already somewhat disappointed in the limited, male-oriented, patriarchal interpretation of some indisputably feminine symbols like the Minoan Great Mother Goddess referenced and pictured under the entry, AXE on page 16. Described as a 'phallic' representation of her 'parthenogenetic fertility,' and as a, 'Solar emblem of the 'sky gods,' and later as an, 'emblem of Saint John the Babtist,' this is clearly a female iconic Goddess figure holding a double-sided LABRYS (axe) in each upraised arm. The Labrys is a feminine symbol associated with the female Amazons that were Priestesses of Artemis, the Moon Goddess. During their time, lunar energies were associated with the Goddess, and feminine power, NOT masculine, phallic, sky-Gods.