Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols (Paperback)

by Miranda Bruce-Mitford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Signs and symbols are parts of our lives that are often unnoticed or, if noticed, are not always understood. With this lavishly illustrated book, the author looks at the essence of signs and symbols and defines many of them in brief and simple terms. Bruce-Mitford, a contributor to The World Directory of Minorities (Longman, 1990) and a lecturer at the British Museum, covers a wide variety of symbols, explaining their significance from cultural perspectives throughout the world views. The introductory chapter discusses the differences between signs and symbols and offers brief overviews of ancient, universal, and modern symbols. The main body of the work divides signs and symbols into major categories such as mythologies, nature, and people. Within the categories are items such as ancient deities, planets, clothing, and international signs. Very handy cross-referencing on many pages leads the reader to related symbols. A useful glossary, index, and additional reading list complete the book. For lengthier and more comprehensive coverage of signs and symbols, Carl G. Liungman's Dictionary of Symbols (LJ 12/91) or Hans Biedermann's Dictionary of Symbolism (LJ 9/1/92) will serve better, but for straightforward definitions and excellent color illustrations, this book will be quite helpful. Recommended for academic and public libraries.?Elaine M. Lucas, Moline P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This book provides thousands of brief descriptions for symbols from all parts of the world. It begins with a historical introduction to symbols, ranging from ancient times to modern fictitious characters that reflect characteristics of ancient gods and goddesses.

The entries are grouped into four major categories: mythologies and religions; nature; people; and symbol systems (e.g., mathematical symbols, traffic signs). Each symbol is represented by a colorful photograph or painting. A short paragraph explains the origin of the symbol, as well as geographical or historical variations in meaning. For example, the entry on the Roman goddess Minerva discusses her Roman significance as well as her Greek counterpart, Athena. A clear cross-referencing system uses see also boxes. For example, the entry legs, found in the People section under human body and described as possibly representing the swift-footed sun, is cross-referenced to triskele, described as the movement of the sun. Useful are the glossary of terms, additional reading selections, and a detailed index found at the end of the book.

The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols is a good basic resource for public and school libraries for readers of all ages. However, far more extensive treatment of symbols can be found in The Dictionary of Symbolism (Facts On File, 1992) and Dictionary of Symbols (ABC-Clio, 1991).

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1 edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789410001
• ISBN-13: 978-0789410009
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #255,227 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visual Guide to Mysterious Signs and Symbols, September 21, 2001

By	Rebecca Johnson "SeasonedwithLove.com" (Washington State) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Our world if filled with signs and symbols. Most recently, we have seen a surge of support for freedom with an increase in the display of the American Flag. This universally recognized symbol of freedom serves to unite Americans in a common goal. It speaks of those who died to give us freedom and gives us hope that as we see our flag flying, we are still free.

Cultures around the world have chosen signs and symbols to represent various beliefs. For some, a red rose is the symbol of love and for others a snake is a symbol of evil. In China, a snake is a symbol of wisdom. Each country has a different interpretation.

Miranda Bruce-Mitford has studied social anthropology and as a writer, she has contributed to dictionaries and encyclopedias. Now she is often a guest lecturer on art tours in Southeast Asia.

If you are looking for a book to explore the signs of symbols from East and West, The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols explores the origins in art, religion and folklore. The signs and symbols are grouped by category and a clear cross-referencing system helps the reader to find related signs and symbols.

This book contains information on:

Mythologies & Religions - Ancient Deities, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Ancestor & Nature Spirits and Mythical Beasts.

Nature: Sun & Moon, Earth & Sky, Precious Matter, Precious Stones, Gardens, Trees, Plants, Nature's Foods, Flowers, Sea Creatures, Insects, Reptiles & Amphibians, Mammals and Birds.

People: Sex & Fertility, Human Body, Dance & Theatre, Magic & Charms, Musical Instruments, Love & Marriage, Clothing, Jewelry, Royalty, Tools and Weapons, Death & Mourning, Architecture and Everyday Objects.

Symbol Systems: Picture Writing, Numbers, Shapes & Patterns, Color, Alchemy, Freemasonry, Divination, Astrology, Heraldic Emblems, International Signs and Symbolic Gestures.

An Index makes looking up your favorite symbols very convenient. You will find something you will just want to know! I was especially interested in the "Rose Window" and wondered what it represented.

"The rose window, so named because of its petal like shapes of glass, represents both human aspiration for wholeness and coherence and the realization of those same desires. Rose windows first appeared in 13th-century France...."

I also wanted to look up the meanings of numbers and colors. There is just so much you will want to know and after reading this book, you will never look at symbols in the same way. They will always have meaning. It is good to know that a black cat is not unlucky in all cultures. >^..^<

The Glossary gives an explanation to words you might wonder about. A rich source of information to give an understanding to signs and symbols all over the world. I was simply fascinated with this work!

~The Rebecca Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Visual of Both Ancient and Modern Symbols, June 16, 2000

By	Mary Ann Perry (Anaheim, cA) - See all my reviews

A really straightforward approach to understanding symbols that man has devised since the beginning, to include a nice cross-reference between categories of symbols. Many excellent visual examples of both ancient and modern symbols. It is interesting to note how quickly symbols take root in this modern time versus ancient symbols that took centuries to take and evolve. Since I am an herbalist I especially love the sections on symbols of nature, trees, and plants, which lead one to delve much deeper into various cultural origins. The descriptions are short and make the reader wish for more; but happy to have found what is there.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A splendid book!, April 8, 2000

By	Randy (Beirut, Lebanon) - See all my reviews

The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols offers a fantastic look at a multitude of diverse cultures and times as you discover the symbols that were sacred or even cursed to them. It is an impressive tome of knowledge with breathtaking pictures and vivid festive colors. Find out what the Chinese thought of the magnolia or read about the story of the goldfinch or the importance of the emerald. Each item's symbolism is explained with a wonderful interesting style of writing. A truly marvelous book that will fascinate and enthrall anyone!