Signs and Symbols
Product ID: 3852979
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Since when did certain hand gestures become offensive? And why are scales a symbol of justice? For thousands of years, humans have communicated through a language of signs and symbols. From uniforms to body adornment and corporate logos, symbols are everywhere, and this book is your guide to their secret meanings and history. The Sun as well as the night sky with its stars and planets has long been used to symbolize supernatural forces. Learn about this and also how humans have used patterns, numbers, clothing, and more to signal authority, kinship, and status. Signs & Symbols decodes over 2000 emblems, explaining the visual language of architecture, heraldry, religion, and death. It answers questions such as why, for example, Christianity is symbolized by a fish, or how the Chinese use the crane bird to signify longevity. This comprehensive book also explores how certain gemstones or flowers became linked to personal qualities and how the alphabet and national flags came into being. Signs & Symbols will open your eyes to the fascinating world of symbolism that is embedded in every area of our lives. Review: Excellent Resource for Symbols, Signs and Patterns - "Wherever we live, we are surrounded by symbols--if we choose to see them. We can go through life ignorant of this rich imagery, or we can open our eyes to the deeper truths inherent in much that surrounds us. For those interested in exploring the philosophical and the metaphysical, a world filled with symbols is infinitely rich and rewarding, leading us to a greater understanding of ourselves and bringing a fresh perspective to our lives." - From the book From crosses to triangles, colors to flowers, symbols permeate art, myth, fairytales and movies. Most everyone knows that a heart pierced by an arrow symbolizes love, as well as that of a red rose. But have you ever considered how that association came to be made? What about the pyramid on a dollar bill, "the finger", or the significance of the red string bracelet worn by Kabbalists? Or what does it mean that Bill Clinton "points" with his thumb when giving a speech or that kohl lined the eyes of Ancient Egyptian women? Where is the subtle symbol concealed in the FedEx emblem that earned it one of the top eight logos in modern design history? You'll find the answers to these questions and many more in DK's book Signs & Symbols. At 352-pages with full color illustrations, many in shiny gold, this hardcover reference book is chock full of fascinating tidbits on the origin, lore and associations of thousands of signs and symbols. Here are just some of topics covered in DK's Signs & Symbols: * Fairytale motifs * Religious and national symbols * Body language, hobo signs, hand signals and symbolic gestures * Weather, fire, air, water and earth * Clothing, headwear, uniforms, body adornment and jewelry * Modern phallic symbols (i.e. rockets, guns and guitars) * Plants, herbs, flowers, food, trees and animals * Buddhist mudras * Emoticons, currency symbols and musical notation * Fantastical beasts * Art, theater, dance, masks and musical instruments * Flags, crests and corporate logos * Numerology, Magic Squares, Tarot Major Arcana, Palmistry and Runes * Precious stones and metals * Astrological, Mayan and Celtic glyphs * Death, marriage, creation stories and rites of initiation * Gematria, tetraktys and Sefirot of Kabbalah * Monuments, architecture, home, gardens and mazes Gorgeous as a coffee book or simply for leafing through, DK's Signs & Symbols offers magnificent eye-candy via lush photos, gold inking, illustrations, charts and accessible descriptions. As a reference book for writers, researchers, artists or the insanely curious, this book provides extraordinary insights into the patterns, archetypes and symbols found throughout history and modern surrounds. -- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book Review: Beautiful illustration - Book is better than expected
| Best Sellers Rank | #92,912 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #10 in Advertising Graphic Design #58 in Mythology & Folklore Encyclopedias #61 in Design History & Criticism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,079 Reviews |
J**R
Excellent Resource for Symbols, Signs and Patterns
"Wherever we live, we are surrounded by symbols--if we choose to see them. We can go through life ignorant of this rich imagery, or we can open our eyes to the deeper truths inherent in much that surrounds us. For those interested in exploring the philosophical and the metaphysical, a world filled with symbols is infinitely rich and rewarding, leading us to a greater understanding of ourselves and bringing a fresh perspective to our lives." - From the book From crosses to triangles, colors to flowers, symbols permeate art, myth, fairytales and movies. Most everyone knows that a heart pierced by an arrow symbolizes love, as well as that of a red rose. But have you ever considered how that association came to be made? What about the pyramid on a dollar bill, "the finger", or the significance of the red string bracelet worn by Kabbalists? Or what does it mean that Bill Clinton "points" with his thumb when giving a speech or that kohl lined the eyes of Ancient Egyptian women? Where is the subtle symbol concealed in the FedEx emblem that earned it one of the top eight logos in modern design history? You'll find the answers to these questions and many more in DK's book Signs & Symbols. At 352-pages with full color illustrations, many in shiny gold, this hardcover reference book is chock full of fascinating tidbits on the origin, lore and associations of thousands of signs and symbols. Here are just some of topics covered in DK's Signs & Symbols: * Fairytale motifs * Religious and national symbols * Body language, hobo signs, hand signals and symbolic gestures * Weather, fire, air, water and earth * Clothing, headwear, uniforms, body adornment and jewelry * Modern phallic symbols (i.e. rockets, guns and guitars) * Plants, herbs, flowers, food, trees and animals * Buddhist mudras * Emoticons, currency symbols and musical notation * Fantastical beasts * Art, theater, dance, masks and musical instruments * Flags, crests and corporate logos * Numerology, Magic Squares, Tarot Major Arcana, Palmistry and Runes * Precious stones and metals * Astrological, Mayan and Celtic glyphs * Death, marriage, creation stories and rites of initiation * Gematria, tetraktys and Sefirot of Kabbalah * Monuments, architecture, home, gardens and mazes Gorgeous as a coffee book or simply for leafing through, DK's Signs & Symbols offers magnificent eye-candy via lush photos, gold inking, illustrations, charts and accessible descriptions. As a reference book for writers, researchers, artists or the insanely curious, this book provides extraordinary insights into the patterns, archetypes and symbols found throughout history and modern surrounds. -- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book
K**M
Beautiful illustration
Book is better than expected
C**Y
It's a fact!
It's a fact that this book is amazing! I have never found a book that covers so much information without making you feel overwhelmed. From the moment that I found this on this site, I was excited about getting my hands on it. I was running to the mailbox every day for a week! Needless to say, all of that waiting was worth it. When I got my hands on it, I could not put it down. I was amazed! I had never realized how much meaning was behind the objects I never once considered full of any kind of meaning. This book covers a broad range of topics from animals, flowers, personal objects (rings, lipstick, etc), to body parts and so much more. You will truly be amazed at all the information that lies within the cover of this book. I will admit, I have had this book for a couple of years now and I still have not finished it, but that isn't for a lack of trying. I just can't get enough of what I have already learned. I keep going back to re-read and then read a bit more. This is one of my favorite books by far! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the history and background of some of the most basic and overlooked things! If you are considering as to whether or not to buy this book, then buy it! I assure you that you will not be disappointed!
A**R
Well illustrated, but a little light on explanations.
Has quite a lot of content, but some of the symbols are explained in a bit of a superficial way. There is way more history behind what theyre saying here, but nontheless, a fairly good book.
A**L
made to look at and understand
very well made
K**Y
Sings & symbols
I am so happy with my delivery and I love love love my book I it’s a great book to have I had same book years ago and some how got misplaced so I am glad to have it back thank you 💫🎈
K**I
In-Depth Exploration
Another “par for the course” DK release: Excellent photography/images, meticulous research, fun and concise reading with a team of people to put it all together. Impressive work.
C**W
VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER!!!
I am extremely happy with my book order. It was delivered very quickly and arrived earlier than expected. It came exactly as described and looks like a brand new book, with no scratches, torn pages or markings. I would definitely buy again and I highly recommend!
C**N
Great book
very happy with my purchase...
J**Z
موسوعه
كتاب مع صور واقعيه ومعلومات اساسيه لرموز كثيره كتاب رائع لايمل
G**.
Deludente
Un po' deludente, mi aspettavo un qualcosa di più dettagliato su origini dei simboli, storia e culture dietro, magari un po' più di esoterismo invece è una cosa abbastanza banale.
R**A
Erg leuk boek
Geweldig boek! Veel informatie op een duidelijk toch simpel manier gegeven. Veel illustraties en goed indeling. Echt een aanrader!
A**Z
boa qualidade
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