Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them

by Hans Biedermann, James Hulbert (Translator)

Overview

This encyclopedic guide explores the rich and varied meanings of more than 2,000 symbols—from amethyst to Zodiac.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780452011182
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/01/1994
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	480
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Hans Biedermann (1930–1990) was born in Vienna, where he studied natural sciences and philosophy. Biedermann was a professor at the University of Graz in Austria. He was the author of Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them, which Library Journal noted as being "valuable for its elucidation of both the esoteric and commonplace."

James Hulbert is a translator of German to English texts. His specialties include linguistics, philosophy, and social science. He earned a PhD in comparative literature from Yale University. He has published translations including Hans Biedermann's Dictionary of Symbolism, Wolfgang Lindig's Navajo: Tradition and Change in the Southwest, and Jacques Derrida's Parages.

Editorial Reviews

Translated from the original German, this encyclopedic reference explores the meanings of some 2,000 symbols (aloe to zodiac), drawing on the past and present worlds of mythology, fairy tales, religion, literature, history, and archaeology. Some 600 b&w illustrations accompany the entries. The illustrations are then gathered into a pictorial index, allowing readers to look up a symbol and find its meaning in the text. Primarily for a lay audience, but with much to interest scholars. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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