The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols
Miranda Bruce-Mitford
Barnes & Noble
Nonfiction, Magic
Themes: Alchemy, Encyclopedias, Occult
****
Description
The sun and the moon, the Star of David and the Christian cross, ancient totems and modern company logos... every culture either adopts or invents a multitude of signs and symbols, their meanings easily recognized or hiding deeper, more profound messages. Using many pictures, this book covers all manner of cultures and symbols, from plants and animals to people and things.
Review
This is more like an Eyewitness book than anything else, though I can find no sign of any association with DK; it relies mostly on pictures and brief summaries or captions to convey information. I gave it its marks because, like the Eyewitness series, it has great visual appeal, and the great variety of cultures and ages covered makes up for a lack of depth in any particular area. It makes a good beginning reference on the subject, and that's all I was looking for when I bought it.