Illustrated Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols: Identification, Analysis and Interpretation of the Visual Codes and the Subconscious Language that Shapes and Describes our Thoughts and Emotions

by Mark O'Connell, Raje Airey

In a fascinating collection of over 1600 signs and symbols. this book is structured thematically, so that related symbols are complemented and contrasted, giving a unique guide to their cross-cultural element.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Spirituality, History, Psychology, Mythology

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Julie Furman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful and very general description of signs, symbols, and dream interpretations from around the world. There is discussion of these things through human history in the first part of the book, and then a more modern view. I enjoyed the first part, and have some ideas about further reading. The middle part is advice about personal dream interpretation, with some discussion on how some of the methods have been developed.

I would not expect an encyclopedia to go into detail for any of these things. However, some sentences and sections seemed to be cut and pasted from previous sections. There were also a few editorial errors later on in the book, like both a comma and a period at the end of a sentence, a question mark at the end of a sentence that was not a question, and a random indent in one of the paragraphs even though none of the other sentences are indented. This is confusing and unprofessional. Did the editors get tired towards the end?

There are many illustrations and images in this book in addition to the entries on each topic. Their "descriptions" were actually just a continuation of the entry. This really made reading more difficult because it's unclear what order they meant for people to read them. Why not just add those sentences to the entry on the page? Weird and confusing formatting choice on their part.

A suggested reading list would have been helpful, as there was not a lot of detail. The writing is also more casual than other encyclopedias. Whether this is good or bad depends on your personal preference. It worked for this book and the topics covered.

[Steven Gerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Symbols are not meaningless image or pictures, this book really gives the complete story about the meaning of symbols. One simple image such as cross can carry a lot of stories and different meanings to a lot of people. And one thing I found interesting is how a lot of things in our daily lives and how our minds work are so deeply connected to symbols.

[RumBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fascinating look at the symbols that make up human culture, and how we interpret and interact with them. The illustrations really brought all these symbols to vibrant life, and reading through this, I learned a lot that I had previously not known.

[Raluca Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Gigi CApone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide is packed with tons of useful information, some general knowledge but I found tons of insight. I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the print was too small.

[Stephanie Anguiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself going back to this book, I found it as a teen and still read it again from time to time as an adult. Love it.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth every bit of the five dollars I spent for it (yay Borders' sales!).

The book gives a brief but fascinating overview of some of the more common symbols found across cultures, pertaining to all aspects of our world.

Contents include generalized ancient symbols, symbols of myth and spirituality, symbolism in society, symbolism found in flora/fauna, and symbolic patterns and graphics.

I thought the directory of signs at the back of the book was a nice finishing touch and a quick and easy way to locate the meaning of a specific symbol/sign.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2006: The blurb markets this to the 'scholar, dream-reader, magician, scientist, psychologist, historian or astrologist' - so that's quite a range. I should, of course, have looked more closely at the blurb before getting this book. It does have quite a lot of illustrations but perhaps in its efforts to cover so much, the content is not exactly detailed and you would probably be better off looking the symbols up on Wikipedia. If its a serious work you are looking for - this isn't it but I can see it looking good on a bookshelf of a magician(!)

[Keshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great primer for signs and symbols used in many eastern and western cultures. By no means exhaustive, this collection of symbols and signs is a good resource for anyone studying the deeper aspects of society, religion, and their ancient origins.

[Regina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although it was a great general overview of many different cultural and religious symbols and archetypes, I was leery that no sources or references were ever cited for the information given.

[Nick Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visual Communications throughout the ages and land!

[Stephen Mitskavich · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great resource which I continue to use for insight and inspiration.

[Lordy Rozard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good for tatto inspirations :p

[Mike Salmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I grow up I wanna be Robert Langdon