Wordplay: Ambigrams and Reflections on the Art of Ambigrams

by John Langdon

They read upside down, back to front, in the mirror as well as left to right. In this book Langdon not only presents the reader with a number of strikingly beautiful and arresting ambigrams, but also shows how the very shape of letters can change our ideas of the word itself and its meaning. Filled with word play of all kinds.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

172 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1992

Reviews

[Qt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished this, I must say it's not really what I expected. I thought it would simply be a collection of artistic ambigrams (words drawn so that they can be read the same way upside down). Instead, I would almost call it a philosophy book illustrated by ambigrams.
The book consists of numerous brief (1 to 2 page) essays on words such as philosophy, polarity, astronomy, magnetism, etc., and their dual meanings in our language. The idea of yin-yang, and Taoism, runs strongly throughout the book.
It isn't strictly a philosophy or Taoist book, but it's more than a collection of ambigrams, too. I found it quite interesting, and looking at the artistically drawn words was both mind-boggling and intriguing!


A Christmas gift from my aunt; looks quite different and interesting!

[Gary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me for Fathers' Day by the woman who facilitated my meriting notice on the celebratory day. Witty and philosophical meditations on words and life.