The Symbol Detective: How to Decipher Mystical Motifs - and Know Where to Find Them

by Tony Allan

Interpret symbols no matter where you are with this complete how-to manual, providing essential background about types of symbol, with a recognition guide and explanatory glossary for dozens of commonly encountered motifs.

Genres: Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

After studying History at Oxford, Tony Allan worked for the British Broadcasting Company and as a magazine editor before turning to book publishing, including the Myth and Mankind series.

Reviews

[Bernie4444 · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than 250 illustrations

Copyright 2008 so do not look for symbols after that date.

The book is broken down into three parts
Types of symbols
Belief systems
Fraternal Societies and Secret Cults

If you get a chance before reading this book watch the first 10 minutes of “The Da Vinci Code” (2006) Robert Langdon explains symbols as they relate to cultures. OK just read the introduction before starting.

While reading you will see interesting items in the margins and hyperlinks as to which page to turn to.

There is little said about each of the many symbols so you may need to do your research after the introduction. Also, you will find probably due to limited space many symbols missing.

[Christina Widmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pocos símbolos caben en 150 páginas de formato pequeño. Pero los que hay están bien presentados.
Reseña pormenorizada en mi blog: https://nouw.com/cwidmann/tony-allan-...

[Ferdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little pictionary for those interested in symbols in ancient legends, folklore, myths, even religious belief systems. Very handy while reading Michael Scott's or Dan Brown's works.

[K.D. Bissonette]

Fascinating information.