The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols

by Miranda Bruce-Mitford and Philip Wilkinson

Book Overview

Since when did certain hand gestures become offensive? And why are scales a symbol of justice? For thousands of years, humans have communicated through a language of signs and symbols. From uniforms... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN: 0760762325
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books

Customer Reviews

Poorly researched book.

Layed out poorly. Only one or two sentences for each picture and doesn't cover many signs or symbols. Some information isn't correct in it. I wish I hadn't bought it.

Not worth the paper it's written on.

Grossly inaccurate, it was written in 1996, maybe try looking for something a tad more modern. I made the mistake of buying this book, you don't have to.

Visual Guide to Mysterious Signs and Symbols

Our world if filled with signs and symbols. Most recently, we have seen a surge of support for freedom with an increase in the display of the American Flag. This universally recognized symbol of freedom serves to unite Americans in a common goal. It speaks of those who died to give us freedom and gives us hope that as we see our flag flying, we are still free. Cultures around the world have chosen signs and symbols to represent various beliefs. For some, a red rose is the symbol of love and for others a snake is a symbol of evil. In China, a snake is a symbol of wisdom. Each country has a different interpretation. Miranda Bruce-Mitford has studied social anthropology and as a writer, she has contributed to dictionaries and encyclopedias. Now she is often a guest lecturer on art tours in Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a book to explore the signs of symbols from East and West, The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols explores the origins in art, religion and folklore. The signs and symbols are grouped by category and a clear cross-referencing system helps the reader to find related signs and symbols. This book contains information on: Mythologies & Religions - Ancient Deities, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Ancestor & Nature Spirits and Mythical Beasts. Nature: Sun & Moon, Earth & Sky, Precious Matter, Precious Stones, Gardens, Trees, Plants, Nature's Foods, Flowers, Sea Creatures, Insects, Reptiles & Amphibians, Mammals and Birds. People: Sex & Fertility, Human Body, Dance & Theatre, Magic & Charms, Musical Instruments, Love & Marriage, Clothing, Jewelry, Royalty, Tools and Weapons, Death & Mourning, Architecture and Everyday Objects. Symbol Systems: Picture Writing, Numbers, Shapes & Patterns, Color, Alchemy, Freemasonry, Divination, Astrology, Heraldic Emblems, International Signs and Symbolic Gestures. An Index makes looking up your favorite symbols very convenient. You will find something you will just want to know! I was especially interested in the "Rose Window" and wondered what it represented. "The rose window, so named because of its petal like shapes of glass, represents both human aspiration for wholeness and coherence and the realization of those same desires. Rose windows first appeared in 13th-century France...." I also wanted to look up the meanings of numbers and colors. There is just so much you will want to know and after reading this book, you will never look at symbols in the same way. They will always have meaning. It is good to know that a black cat is not unlucky in all cultures. >^..^< <br /> <br />The Glossary gives an explanation to words you might wonder about. A rich source of information to give an understanding to signs and symbols all over the world. I was simply fascinated with this work! <br /> <br />~The Rebecca Review

Excellent Visual of Both Ancient and Modern Symbols

A really straightforward approach to understanding symbols that man has devised since the beginning, to include a nice cross-reference between categories of symbols. Many excellent visual examples of both ancient and modern symbols. It is interesting to note how quickly symbols take root in this modern time versus ancient symbols that took centuries to take and evolve. Since I am an herbalist I especially love the sections on symbols of nature, trees, and plants, which lead one to delve much deeper into various cultural origins. The descriptions are short and make the reader wish for more; but happy to have found what is there.

A splendid book!

The Illustrated Book of Signs & Symbols offers a fantastic look at a multitude of diverse cultures and times as you discover the symbols that were sacred or even cursed to them. It is an impressive tome of knowledge with breathtaking pictures and vivid festive colors. Find out what the Chinese thought of the magnolia or read about the story of the goldfinch or the importance of the emerald. Each item's symbolism is explained with a wonderful interesting style of writing. A truly marvelous book that will fascinate and enthrall anyone!

If your looking for web page art. you'll find it here

Simple symbols to complex artwork...all in color. I was looking for artwork to spice-up my homepage. I'm fortunate to have found this tome.