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Dictionary Of Symbols
 
 
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Dictionary Of Symbols [Paperback]

Carl Liungman (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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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 the Hardcover edition.

Review

This book will certainly become one of the key sources for tracing symbols and their meanings.
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Inside This Book (Learn More)
First Sentence
Any object can be called a symbol as long as a group of people agrees that it means more than just itself. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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5 Reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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4.0 out of 5 stars Useful but Organizationally Flawed, April 25 2002
This review is from: Dictionary Of Symbols (Paperback)
This is a rich sourcebook of information about graphic symbols from around the world. The text is detailed and covers the subject in depth. Several articles at the beginning of the book discuss the various uses of these signs and symbols around the world. The book's key failure, IMHO, is that the author uses an indexing system that is hard to follow. For example, you will found various kinds of crosses scattered through many categories. It is hard to understand exactly what led him to group which symbols where. On a few occasions, you will find symbols grouped with signs that seemingly bear no relationship in either shape or meaning. Use this book for the definitions, but be prepared to wade through a lot of material if you don't happen to know the name of the sign at the start of your research.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Gray's Anatomy for the Searcher After Symbols, Aug 7 2001
This review is from: Dictionary Of Symbols (Paperback)
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.
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5.0 out of 5 stars The best source for clean graphic symbols, Dec 18 1998
By 
J. Zuverink "joydesign" (San Jose, CA - USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Dictionary Of Symbols (Paperback)
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.

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