The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols

Identifies the symbolic meaning of over one thousand numbers, letters, astrological symbols, alchemical terms, plants, animals, places, shapes, images, and designs

Becker, an authority on semiotics (the theory of signs and symbols), has produced a scholarly compendium of symbols. Translated from the original German, more than 1,500 entries are arranged alphabetically, along with 800 illustrations, most of them in black and white, with an insert of colorplates. As he states in the foreword, the selection from the inestimable number of symbolic signs is always a personal one by the editor. Readers will find symbolic meanings for common objects, such as the rose, cross, and numbers, as well as the Greek god Tyche, valerian weed, and ancient mythical giant Ymir. Exploring a wealth of objects and concepts, this encyclopedia traces symbols to their cultural, religious, or mythological origins in 50-100 words. A short bibliography provides additional references. Dictionaries of symbols abound, and each covers some different symbols. Dictionary of Symbols [RBB Ja 1 92] has 1,500 symbols arranged by shape and is more strictly limited to graphic symbols. This new book gives the symbolic meaning of such things as hair, the desert, and sneezing, which are not written symbols. It would be appropriate for academic libraries that need additional sources in this area.

Becker, an international authority on symbols and semiotics, has compiled a collection of symbols useful in giving meaning to everyday life. Originally published in German as Lexikon der Symbole in 1992, this collection of 1500 entries and more than 600 illustrations is useful in some ways, but given the inestimable number of symbols in the world, each selection was a personal choice that meant the exclusion of some other entry. Entries vary in length from a sentence (e.g., for "Gothamites") to a page (e.g., for "number symbolism"). Both a general meaning and a cultural and/or geographic meaning are usually given. This book would be good for popular browsing, but as a reference tool it is not adequate. For a solider approach, stick to Hans Biedermann's scholarly Dictionary of Symbolism (LJ 9/1/92).
L. Kriz, Sioux City P.L., Ia.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.