The Complete Dictionary of Symbols
Grade 9 Up–This dictionary is both too modest and too boastful: it condenses hundreds of myths and includes deities, heroes, saints, historical figures, animals, etc., with connections to art and literature, yet it is hardly exhaustive. Double the length of Tresidder'sDictionary of Symbols(Chronicle, 1998; o.p.), it preserves that work's format and adds a brief bibliography. Most of the author'sSymbols and Their Meanings(Sterling, 2000) is also found here. Marginalia include primary-source citations and cross-references. Violet backgrounds distinguish 60 short articles on such diverse topics as Trojan War heroes, the Buddha, angels, avatars of Vishnu, dance, liberty, the jaguar, and more. The book includes many non-Western myths and symbols, but a broad perspective in some articles is lacking. The features on architecture, chastity, the ages of man, and religious orders are entirely European in focus. Many articles–e.g., on music, floods, fish, dragons, death, creation–are culturally broader. Africa deserves better coverage. Small black-and-white and/or violet graphics–useful, if not compelling–appear on most pages. Clare Gibson'sSigns & Symbols(Grange) and Miranda Bruce-Mitford'sIllustrated Book of Signs & Symbols(DK, both 1996), though less complete, will attract browsers with their color photos. Hans Biedermann'sDictionary of Symbolism(Facts On File, 1992) is better illustrated, more detailed on Western symbols, less global; Tresidder's volume offers high value for cost, if there is a myth/symbol gap on the reference shelf.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.