Dictionary of Symbols (Norton Paperback) (Paperback)

by Carl G. Liungman (Author) "Any object can be called a symbol as long as a group of people agrees that it means more than just itself..." (more)
Key Phrases: modern ideogram, earliest runic alphabet, clog almanacs, Middle Ages, United States, Bronze Age (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Never before published in the United States, this authoritative four-part history, dictionary, and index of non-iconic symbols is a revision of the author's Symboler , published in Sweden in 1974. Part 1 concisely traces the historical development of symbols since their first appearance about 20,000 years ago, then develops several topical themes: astrological, hobo, and Nazi symbols, as well as modern business logotypes. Classification by form is difficult due to the diversity of symbols, yet about 1500 are painstakingly classified into 54 groups in Part 2 where the history, derivation, and meanings are described for each. In Part 3, verbal descriptions, e.g., "peace symbol," comprise the easily used word index. There are some oversights in the index (e.g., astrological signs, which are treated in some detail elsewhere, only appear sporadically), but this is not a major criticism. Part 4, a graphic index, references information in Part 2 by shape and form. All historical periods and geographical areas are treated. Engineering symbols are deliberately excluded. There is nothing else quite like this well-researched work; other titles are older or specialized. Although useful for scholars and specialists, this is excellent for general reference. Highly recommended for medium to large reference collections.
- Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"There is nothing quite like this well-researched book." —Library Journal

"This book will certainly become one fo the key sources for tracing symbols and their meanings." —American Libraries

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (February 17, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393312364
• ISBN-13: 978-0393312362
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #156,503 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best source for clean graphic symbols, December 17, 1998

By	J. Young "joydesign" (San Jose, CA, USA<P>San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Among all the books referred to as "dictionaries" of symbols, this is the one that provides the artist with a truly visual inspiration.

The black and white printing lends itself to the elegant and crisp presentation of the publication. Symbols are not obscure drawings, but concise graphic representations.

For those interested in the deeper meaning of symbols (not simply their aesthetic appeal), explanations of symbol origin are provided alongside; similar or equivalent symbols are cross-referenced with each other.

An excellent source for any designer seeking to add symbolism to his/her work without the frills.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dictionary of Symbols' reach is well beyond its grasp., April 15, 1998

By	Jason M. Sullivan (jason.m.sullivan@worldnet.... (Raleigh, NC, USA) - See all my reviews

While the selection and classification structure of the symbols in the dictionary has much to offer, the actual _descriptions_ of the symbols leave plenty to be desired. The authour seems to come from an astrological background, and the gaps in his knowledge (particularly with respect to electronic, hobo, and non-Christian religious symbols) are evident throughout; especially when seen side-by-side with the verbose coverage of astrological and Judeo-Christian symbols.

While the classification scheme is amazing, and very well thought out, the actual content is rather below what I expected.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gray's Anatomy for the Searcher After Symbols, August 6, 2001

By	"bibliomane01" (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Most books on symbols confine themselves to higher level abstractions such as "the lion" or "mercury" or the letters of the alphabet. Liungman's achievement is to create a comprehensive taxonomy for symbols that uses the most basic shapes as building blocks to create ascending chains of meaning. As such, it is an original work of scholarship rather than a gazetteer of common symbols. "The Dictionary of Symbols" is a gold mine of information for readers interested in graphic design or the "semiotics," if I may be allowed to use the term, behind supposedly abstract shapes and designs. Did you ever wonder about the significance of the Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen logos or the three diamonds of the Mitsubishi symbol? Would world history have been different if the Nazi swastika had pointed the other way? These and many other questions of similar nature are knowledgeably and enjoyably explored in this very impressive book.