Dictionary Of Symbols [Paperback]

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 the Hardcover edition.

This book will certainly become one of the key sources for tracing symbols and their meanings.

From early cave drawings to modern corporate logos, graphic symbols have been used to convey meanings both tangible and abstract. This dictionary covers approximately 2500 Western graphic symbols. Each entry includes the sign's history, its meanings and the systems in which it is used, along with cross-references to other signs with the same meanings and structurally similar signs with different meanings. Locating an entry is as easy as looking up a word in a dictionary, thanks to a system that classifies each sign on the basis of three of its structural features. Enhancing the dictionary is a series of discussions on various aspects of ideograms and two indexes to aid the reader: a word index specifying signs with a given name or meaning, along with subject headings, and a graphic index displaying symbols based on their structural features.