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From Library Journal
This reference work defines symbols not only as visual icons (including shapes, color, and geometric designs) but also as biblical, classical, and mythological figures; botanics; minerals; and animals (real and mythical) as they relate to literature, dreams, art, and so forth. The choice of the over 2000 cross-referenced terms included here was necessarily subjective, for almost anything in the universe can be construed as having an emblematic meaning. Prehistorical to modern periods are covered and, although there is a Western emphasis, the author attempts to place symbols in appropriate cultural contexts. This work, which consolidates much arcane information, is valuable for its elucidation of both the esoteric and commonplace. Generally recommended, although there is no need to duplicate if a collection has sufficient works of this nature. A similar title, Carl G. Liungman's Dictionary of Symbols , was chosen as one of LJ 's best reference books of 1991.--Ed.
- Janice Braun, Oakland, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Janice Braun, Oakland, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
This encyclopedic guide explores the rich and varied meanings of more than 2,000 symbols—from amethyst to Zodiac.
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First Sentence
above/below A pair of polar opposites, perhaps the most important and most widespread of all symbolically significant DUALITIES. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
above/below A pair of polar opposites, perhaps the most important and most widespread of all symbolically significant DUALITIES. Read the first page
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Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Invaluable research tool...,
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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Paperback)
This is an essential lexicon for the numerous symbols and cultural icons that have appeared or have their origins mainly in the western tradition. After reading the many definitions, it dawned on me that many symbols are simply misunderstood by popular culture and used in the wrong context. This text also takes the meaning of certain symbols and traces their root derivations, showing that meaning changes as the culture changes; and that different cultures use the same icon or symbol for entirely different purposes. Because our world is rife with signifiers, it would be a daunting task indeed to provide a comprehensive collection. Though what Biedermann has done is capture those symbols and icons that he believes have been the most significant throughout western civilization.A good example of a symbol that has been appropriated is the swastika. Anyone seeing this symbol in present time will associate it with Adolf Hitler's Nazi party. However this symbol has it roots from a pre-Aryan civilization, Mohenjo-Daro, circa 2000 B.C., in ancient China. It was also seen in old Buddhist traditions and certain Gnostic sects in late antiquity. This important text would be invaluable in any researcher's library as it contains nearly 600 entries and over 2000 symbols. Highly recommended for students of history, religion and philosophy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful, comprehensive resource!,
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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Paperback)
I refer to the Dictionary of Symbolism so often that I always keep it close at hand. It is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in mythology, Jungian dream analysis, biblical symbolism, cross-cultural meanings and myths, the history of symbols, etc. This is no simple listing of symbolic meanings -- it is a substantial book with extensive information on each entry, very often with illustrations. For example, someone mentioned the "Chicken Little" story recently, and I looked up the word "hen." There I found an entry describing both the positive and negative symbolism of hens as protective mothers and also as foolish, confused birds, with two illustrations and information from Matthew, Africa and Europe. I was surprised to find so much. On the same day I looked up Prometheus, Mercury and "rock." Not only are the entries detailed, but there are an enormous number of them. The index at the back is a great cross-listing. Unfortunately, for every symbol in the universe to be listed, there would need to be several volumes. But for a single volume, this one is pretty comprehensive.
4.0 out of 5 stars
I agree.,
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This review is from: Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them (Paperback)
This book is full of interesting information on symbolism from throughout history, from many cultures. It has a very extensive dictionary from A to Z of symbolism and cultural icons, with quite a few illustrations. In the back there is also a Pictorial Index of symbols along with page numbers to help make searching for them easier.
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