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The Essential Reference for Decoding Signs and Symbols The world around us is filled with signs and symbols. Those we have chosen to create, such as alphabets and flags, are universally recognizable, but others, of uncertain and ancient origin, mean different things to different peoples. Why, for example, is a red rose the flower of love, or a snake a symbol of evil in the West and a sign of wisdom in China? Find the answers to these questions and thousands of others in this comprehensive and stimulating visual guide of signs and symbols. Specially commissioned illustrations and photographs, including artifacts, famous paintings, and sculptures, provide a much-needed visual key to this mysterious language. The Ultimate Visual Catalog Showing thousands of signs and symbols from East and West, The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols not only gives the meanings of each, but also explores the symbols' origins in art, religion, literature, psychology, and folklore. For ease of reference the signs and symbols are grouped by category, from flowers and religious symbols to shapes and numbers, and a clear cross-referencing system directs the reader to related signs and symbols. Designed to appeal to readers of all ages, this book is a rich source of information and an indispensable reference book for interpreting and understanding signs and symbols in everyday life.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 127) and index.
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Library Journal Review
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. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
CHOICE Review
Bruce-Mitford offers a compendium of vivid symbolic images from around the world, reproduced in color. Her introduction discusses signs versus symbols, universality versus particularity, the individual versus collective unconscious, and modern symbolism, especially as it is found in popular culture. Since the text is organized by broad categories, the table of contents or index should be the first stop for readers. Categories include "flowers," "nature," and "sex and fertility," each containing a barrage of illustrations in color, prehistory to present. Very brief, but clear and accurate, entries accompany the vibrant illustrations; there are see also entries throughout and a glossary and bibliography at the end. For more scholarly entries and more comprehensive Western coverage, readers should consult Juan Eduardo Cirlot's Dictionary of Symbolism (2nd ed., CH, Jan'73) or Hans Biedermann's Dictionary of Symbolism (CH, May'93). Given its visual emphasis, its accessibility to all audiences, and its modest price, Bruce-Mitford's book belongs on the reference shelves of almost all collections. G. M. Herrmann SUNY College at Cortland
Booklist Review
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).
