Symbols

by Sandra Forty

Book Overview

An easy-to-use guide to over 700 symbols (signs). A general introduction traces the evolution of symbols and their place in history. The history and meaning of each symbol is explained with concise,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1435109155
• ISBN13: 9781435109155
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Salamander Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.27 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Well-Illustrated, Well-Narrated Reference

Kudos to Sandra Forty and Salamander Books. This is a nicely executed, well-illustrated, well-narrated quick reference book on symbols. Panoramic in scope, the book is not at all overwhelming. It gives the reader a "taste" of history and meaning behind symbols without getting too technical. The book spans the symbols of Egypt/Middle East, Africa, East/Asia, Astrology/Mysticism, Religions, Politics, Science and Information Systems. Perhaps, the only thing missing is the domain of trade-marked symbols all too familiar to modern consumers. The introduction to the book places the symbols in cultural and psychological context. Sandra Forty astutely reminds the readers that symbols nearly sequester meaning on an unconscious level and, in their culturally axiomatic/automatic acceptance, symbols sneak into our minds bypassing critical thought and interpretation. In terms of the format, each section is introduced with a page and a half or so worth of overview and is followed by symbols themselves, with each being accompanied by a succinct yet informative socio-historical "bio." Pavel Somov, Ph.D., author of "Eating the Moment: 141 Mindful Practices to Overcome Overeating One Meal at a Time" (New Harbinger, 2008)

My first Symbols book I ever owned

I love this book, It was the first Symbols book I ever bought and I still find myself looking through it. Sandra Forty shows you a large picture of the symbol, and underneath the symbol gives you a brief caption of what the Symbol means. I have read all the symbols in this book (over 700) and I still find myself reading it thinking "maybe I missed something" Great book to have. A must buy!!