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The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin)
 
 
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The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alain Gheerbrant (Author), John Buchanan-Brown (Translator)
Key Phrases: world axis, cosmic egg, world egg, Old Testament, Ancient Egyptian, First Cause (more...)
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

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The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin) + An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols + A Dictionary of Symbols
Price For All Three: $44.14

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  • This item: The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin) by Jean Chevalier

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  • An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols by J. C. Cooper

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  • A Dictionary of Symbols by J. E. Cirlot

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A bestseller in France, where it was originally published, this supremely erudite book draws together folkloric, literary, and artistic sources and focuses on the symbolic dimension of every color, number, sound, gesture, expression, or character trait that has benefited from symbolic interpretation.


Language Notes

Text: English
Original Language: French --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 1184 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (March 1, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0140512543
  • ISBN-13: 978-0140512540
  • Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 2.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,918 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #53 in  Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore
    #78 in  Books > Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Science

More About the Author

Jean Chevalier
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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin)
77% buy the item featured on this page:
The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols (Dictionary, Penguin) 4.1 out of 5 stars (18)
$15.64
An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols
7% buy
An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols 4.4 out of 5 stars (9)
$13.57
Signs and Symbols
6% buy
Signs and Symbols 4.8 out of 5 stars (4)
$16.50
Dictionary of Symbols (Norton Paperback)
6% buy
Dictionary of Symbols (Norton Paperback) 3.7 out of 5 stars (13)
$14.93

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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
5 star:
 (10)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
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1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Dictionary for Thinkers, October 23, 2000
By Joel M Sax (Trabuco Canyon, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This is a thinker's dictionary, not a guide to road signs and icons. The editors took the trouble to recruit symbol experts from many different professions, ranging from the paranormal to the skeptical academic. The result is a dictionary with entries that have more depth than the usual "quick hits" that other symbolism dictionaries give you. Chevalier is not afraid to give contradictory or contrasting meanings of icons. (He is not a universalist, but a relativist.) He is usually careful to identify the culture in which a particular meaning is given. I keep this in easy reach on my bookshelf, reminding myself, however, that no dictionary on this subject can possibly cover all the meanings a symbol may have. It is worth having around.
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44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent dictionary in scope and depth, October 20, 1999
i have known this dictionary in the french original for about 20 years now and recommend it again and again to students. i have always hoped that it could become available for non french readers. finally! as a jungian analyst, i find the dictionary extremely helpful: it does an extraordinary job of displaying the breadth of symbolic meanings involved in so many symbols that are still very much alive in people today. the refence to various cultures is especially important in our multi-cultural world.. i am very thankful for this translation into english and hope the german translation will follow soon.
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35 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Best esoteric symbol interpretation I have seen, January 25, 2001
By Yvonne Turner "Vonnie" (Pacific Northwest USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I have about a dozen symbol books... most of the classics. This one is the best for interpreting those strange symbols in your dreams, daydreams, etc. It is not the shallow stupid interpretations "you are going on a journey..." stuff, but true archetypical and esoteric interpretations.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect tool for analyzing myth, mysticism, the occult, and religions
Though this may not count for much in the grander scheme of things, I'm a double major in Literature and "The Evolution of Consciousness. Read more
Published 1 month ago by C. Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars the penguin dictionary of symbole
I have done considerable research looking for the single best dictionary of symbols with regard to the accuracy of their interpetations, and this is the book. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Woodburn

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Solid Reference Book
This book is well written, comprehensive and fun to read. I own about a half-dozen books on symbols and symbolism and this one is hands down the best I currently own. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kevin Owsley

5.0 out of 5 stars Newer dictionaries with pictures are great, but this is the one I always reutrn to.
I purchased my first copy 10 years ago and have been working with my dream symbols for nearly 20 years. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Quadradox

3.0 out of 5 stars no visuals
I was hoping there would be visual matierals to supliment the content but there isn't. I would recommend finding a different symbols dictionary if you're looking for that kind of... Read more
Published 14 months ago by J. Nance

5.0 out of 5 stars Best referenced
I own at least a dozen of such dictionaries. This one is the best, not only because it coveres the topics in details but also gives detailed references to the ancient sources... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Falcon7

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive...
A Comprehensive listing of symbols, would be a good source of reference. But no illustrations at all, and illustrations would have made it more enjoyable to read/ browse the book... Read more
Published on June 9, 2007 by C D

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed with Amazon
While this is certainly an interesting reference tool, the book Amazon keeps in stock as 'The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols' is not the one pictured. Read more
Published on June 19, 2006 by C. M. Harrison

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential reference work
Hands down, the best resource of its kind available in print.
Published on February 3, 2006 by Steve Cartwright

5.0 out of 5 stars A book full of surprise
My teacher recommanded this dictionary to me (she got a copy of original French version). After I got this book I had a quick check of it. Read more
Published on December 29, 2004 by Webb

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