Symbol Detective: How to Decifer Mystical Motifs - And Know Where to Find Them

by Tony Allan

This practical, easy-to-follow field guide will enable you to pursue your own sleuthing trail through the iconology and symbology of the world's religions, secret societies and cults. As you investigate these fascinating subjects you are sure to unearth hidden meanings in paintings, buildings and decorative arts which will allow you to discover more about beliefs and resonances deeply rooted in the past, many of which continue into the present."The Symbol Detective" is a complete how-to manual, organized into two parts. Part One provides essential background about types of symbol, organized thematically into a recognition guide and explanatory glossary for dozens of commonly encountered motifs. The precise meaning of these will depend on their use and context, which is explored in Part Two, devoted to Belief Systems. Using the knowledge gained from Part One, you will be equipped to recognize many of the common symbols used by religions such as Christianity and Buddhism, and by groups such as the Freemasons and the Hermeticists.
With illustrated references to mysteriously adorned buildings such as Roslyn Chapel (Scotland) and The Salt Lake Mormon Temple (Utah), "The Symbol Detective" will enable you to recognize motifs in situ and begin your personal journey to reveal layers of meaning in artifacts of all kinds.

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.