Symbols

Book excerpt: This is the third revised and augmented English language edition. Symbols--Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms contains approximately 2,500 Western signs. In 1,600 articles their histories, uses, and meanings are thoroughly discussed. The signs range from ideograms carved in mammoth teeth by Cro-Magnon men to modern corporate logos and subway graffiti. A unique system for classifying signs according to graphic structure lets the reader look up the meaning of any sign in seconds. A comprehensive Word Index and a large number of cross-references throughout the book make it equally easy to find signs that are related to each other. In addition, the Appendices contain discussions on especially interesting aspects of ideograms, including the historical development of signs and meanings, ancient American ideograms, the signs of the alchemists and much more. This book serves both as a resource for professionals and a general reference tool for anyone interested in our graphic cultural heritage. Praise for this and previous editions: "Strange sign? 'Symbols' can help. Browsing is richly rewarded." -- New York Times "There is nothing else quite like this well-researched work." -- Library Journal "This book will certainly become one of the key sources for tracing symbols and their meanings." -- American Libraries "The work contains solid information, striking observations and an abundance of facts about graphical symbols." -- Societas Heraldica Scandinavia "A decidedly offbeat but way-cool resource." -- USA Today Dictionary of Symbols was awarded Best Reference Book by Library Journal, Outstanding Reference Source by RASD/ALA and Outstanding Academic Book by Choice.