The Wordsworth Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them

by Hans Biedermann

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

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Mythology, Design, History, Research, Religion

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Information rich, but picture poor, which is kind of a bummer in a book about symbols. I can't seem to find a great definitive book on symbolism; I use three books concurrently when I am doing research. But this one is the backbone.

[Randy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become fascinated by the power of symbols and how flexible yet deeply meaningful they can be in our lives. This book contains nearly a thousand symbols and does a great job tracking their meanings and origins. Most symbols are explained by multiple belief systems which often assign them different even contradictory meanings. Mr. Biedermann typically provides one to three succinct paragraphs on a symbol though common or popular ones can take up two or three pages.

The book also includes lots of drawings often multiple representations of the same symbol to show their variety. It is often the visual cues that strike a cord and communicate an otherworldly resonance. Some belief systems such as Christianity or Islam are obvious but I didn’t realize how many symbols heraldry and freemasonry have generated.

[ɱιʅʅιҽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compendium of symbols, another cherished resource in my library! Less erudite than the Penguin edition, but great in other ways. The careful inclusion of visuals renders it perfect to flip through, enchanted, until something catches the eye. This serendipity is great for artist and writers block :D The bounds and heaps of knowledge encapsulated within this sweet little book makes me excited just thinking about it. Must have for dreamers, artists, and all people of the world -

[Isabel clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not cover to cover but I’ve been using this a ref for symbolism in greek myths a lot lately and it’s v good

[Francesca]

Non credo si possano dare le "stelle" a una Garzantina, o, almeno, questa è una mia convinzione, "superstizione" forse?: è un testo specifico, rivolto a chi è appassionato, interessato a quell'argomento... è come un libro di testo... a me piacciono Le Garzantine, le trovo accurate e ben fatte, immediate, di semplice fruizione, riassuntive senza essere superficiali e approssimative. Prevedono una base di partenza, ovviamente, ma, certo, chi se le compra, come ho fatto io, è perché vuole approfondire il tema che trattano, perciò, più o meno, sa cosa l'aspetta. Ho usato molto questo testo, l'ho letto con curiosità e piacere e sono soddisfatta. Ecco tutto.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

ISBN? - 9781853263910

General Subject/s? - English / Language / Symbolism / History

Title? - A breakdown of different common symbols and their meanings.

General Analysis? - Obviously there are countless symbols that could be included in a book like this, but the selection in here is wide-ranging and several suggestions are given for the meaning of each thing.

Recommend? – Yes, a great little reference book.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enriching and entertaining reference book for anyone who has wondered what the cultural significances and symbolic meanings of animals, plants, colors, numbers, places, things.

[Steig · Rating 4 out of 5]

as reference, used often

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know; I'm weird. I'm reading this entire book.

[Jose Soto · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far so good. Its been useful, writing a research paper on papal symbolism...... veri interesting II

[david · Rating 4 out of 5]

very comprehensive, but incorrect or misleading in a few places. especially concerning their references to freemasonry.

[Yoru · Rating 4 out of 5]

( it was not in German that i read it but the French Edition in Goodreads is missing ^^))

It was really well detailed and complete information , and it really help me for my memoir !

[Molly Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reference book

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still dip into this one occasionally though i finished it long ago (I just suck at updating GoodReads) some really interesting etymologies are within.