An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols

Detailed information from different perspectives

Over the last 18 years, I have reached for this book over and over again. It is not a book of pictures, even though it has quite a few illustrations and pictures in it; rather, it gives very clear and deep meanings of symbols. This female author has great spiritual depth and insight. That is what makes this book such a treasure! Most of the time, I find the word/symbol I am looking for. Occasionally I don't! Still, I could not recommend it more highly.

This book is different than just a regular encyclopedia, because the definitions are what each thing means symbolically. For example, "Eye: light, enlightenment, knowledge, the mind, vigilance, protection, etc."... NOT, "the organ in your face that you see out of." I also wanted to note that each definition has more than just single words describing them, like what I wrote for the description of "eye" above. They also have sentences, and most are large paragraphs - I am happy with the amount of description there is. Yet, this book isn't totally comprehensive, that's why I knocked off a star. For instance, it doesn't include the 'Flower of Life' or different iconic symbols you would naturally think would be in a book of symbols.. BUT, I find it rather refreshing and a great addition to my symbol book library. Also, most of the symbols mentioned in the book are commonplace items, including: Mouse, Eagle, Ear, Egg, Dog, Night, New Year, Numbers, Line, Linen and others alike, which are not usually mentioned in other symbol book references. I think if you really wanted to learn about symbols, you will need more than this book. BUT, I find it to be an excellent addition to my reference material about symbols.

This is the only book I have ever read and used extensively. It combines all religions, symbols and interpretations in one book. The alphabetical form used by Cooper provides quick access to the subject. I have used this book for years in my work and private life. Whether it was for assistance in my profession or in dreamwork, I have not seen another book alike.

Brings so much more understanding and therefore meaning to most literature, especially stories from before the twentieth century.

This is like having a dictionary of symbols - only better. Cooper identifies the culture from which each definition of the symbol came. All the information is clear, concise and to the point.

This book would be a good addition to any reference library, but calling this an illustrated encyclopedia of symbols is a bit of a stretch. The title would suggest that an illustration would be present for every entry and this simply is not true. The book is very good quality, but if you are hoping to skip through pages of illustrations to identify something you have no name or title for, this book will fall short. This is for someone who already knows what the symbol looks like and what it is called, not someone trying to identify symbols.

I am a psychotherapist and I also work with clients and their dreams: there are personal associations with dreams and archetypal meanings; both are important and are part of psychotherapy. This book is an important reference for archetypal significance.

interessante

I haven't read it thoroughly. Just scanned through. Lots of graphics and details. It looks like a wealth of information.

Great book... pretty Comprehensive and culled from many sources...Of course cannot compare with DeVries Dictionary on symbols..But useful. I also have Cirlot and other bigger books on symbolism...And this is one more addition..Simple, Lucid..

I adore this book as is such a rare and extraordinary enclyclopaedia that has no rivals! Written in the 70s, the intensity of research that must have gone into this is amazing, far before the days of the interenet and dilute information. I dropped one copy in the bath so absolutely had to buy another, and then buy for friends and spread the symbolism and understanding! So this book can only be respected, adored and loved!

I bought this book with a bit of trepidation due to some low scores here on the reviews. Never one to judge a book by its cover, or its critics, i bought it thinking, at worst, it can be another reference source in my book shelf. NOT SO....i was pleasantly surprised, as this is a smart book, smooth silky pages, clear images, clear text ( one review stated missing words or letters... most certainly not...) a concise, tightly bound volume any researcher or just the enthusiast will enjoy and refer back to constantly. If your looking to decode your dreams, this is not the book for you, so use it as a casual reference for that... if its for research, and deeper esoteric meaning your buying this.. then buy with confidence. you wont be disappointed. Its a good stand alone book, but excellent hand in hand with other books if your researching, and i have to say, im not in the least disappointed by it.