Symbols

by Sandra Forty

The word symbol is derived from the Greek word symbolon and is a graphic sign for a concept or an object. Symbols date back to cave engravings by prehistoric man--the oldest signs found by archaeologists are of fire, water, earth, sun, and wind. The development of sign structures can be seen in elaborate Egyptian hieroglyphics from around 4000 B.C., while the Greeks later devised a set of symbols in 1000 B.C., including the famous Star of David. Despite the use of alphabets and languages since 2000 B.C., symbols have continued to develop and evolve in every culture.

The book looks at the meanings of over 700 of the most commonly recognized signs. The introduction discusses the development and history of symbols and how they are used. The symbols are grouped into categories including ancient cultures (Egypt and the Middle East), early cultures (astrology, magic, runes), politics (the swastika and the peace sign), and science (including symbols for elements and mathematical symbols). Each symbol is accompanied by accessible text that discusses its evolution and meaning(s).

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2003

About the author

Sandra Forty is a graduate of London University where she studied medieval and early modern history, including a spell at the Courtald Institute learning about Renaissance art from Professor Gombrich.

Since then she has worked as a journalist in London, then as a book editor and writer.

She is the author of a number of books, most on art and architecture.

Reviews

[Michael Haase · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lack of proper descriptions and details for given symbols will leave you wanting more and eventually you'll just want to throw the book away and jump on the internet. The book doesn't even explain why that fucking pyramid with the eye is on the American dollar bill. It's called the "Eye of Providence" and it's a Christian symbol representing the eye of god. You see, the book doesn't say any of that, even though the Eye of Providence is the first fucking symbol on the cover!

This is clearly a very lazy book written to make a quick buck.

[Denise]

Forthright collection of what we take for granted in our iconography. Fascinating, and sometimes, disturbing look at the symbols embedded in our cultures, past and present.

[L.L. Gappa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book- came for the history and folklore of it all, left with a great refresher in math and science as well.

Definitely would recommend.

[Rob Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a reference for many projects. It nice to have clear cut understanding of symbols. This book is a "must have" for visual designers.