Symbols & Their Meanings: The Illustrated Guide To More Than 1,000 Symbols, Their Traditional & Contemporary Significance is an oversized (8x11") paperback that contains 184 pages of fascinating information about the use of symbols in cultures around the world.

The book is divided into eight major sections: "The Spirit Incarnate," "Soul, Mind and the Supernatural," "The Animal World," "The Plant Kingdom," "Spirits of the Cosmos," "Arts and Artefacts," "Patterns and Graphics" and "Symbol Systems." Each of these sections is subdivided into chapters, ranging from six to fifteen, with the most in the animal and spirits sections.

From clouds and mist to fig and olive trees to magic, marriage and hair, this book covers a wide range of topics. The listings are grouped by theme, but the thorough index makes it easy to find your selected topic for quick reference work. There are more than 200 photographs, illustrations and pieces of artwork to provide an optical feast while you read.

This book is totally fascinating. You will learn so much about the beliefs of different peoples and the associations of every day common items. It is a wonderfully informative book that will provide hours of pleasure reading. I have used mine many times when I needed to locate an interesting, little-known tidbit for my writing or when I read something that sparked my curiosity about a topic. It is great for starting conversations and adding to discussions. You will enjoy it tremendously!

- Rambles
written by Alicia Karen Elkins
published 26 April 2003