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thelibraryofimagination's review
4.0
Signs & Symbols of the World was a very interesting read, I learned a thing or two.
Actually, I learned a lot.
This book is loaded with information relating to symbols used by humans. When I finished this book I was surprised at how much I didn’t know about a lot of symbols.
I suppose we just take them for granted.
What’s particularly interesting is that we use symbols so frequently, yet somehow, we forget their origin or even their meaning. It was enlightening to learn the origins of some of the symbols, to understand the true meaning and even the original intent of a symbol. Like how the scarab beetle is not in a flesh eating monster as they are depicted in film. The scarab beetle was once thought of as a symbol of the sun god. Ancient Egyptians noticed they behaved in a similar manner as the sun and were surprised by how they reproduced, it seemed so miraculous it had to have been an intervention from the gods.
As humans, we use symbols to read, to write, to inform, to educate, to warn, to promote and to entertain. We use symbols for armies, for hospitals, for religion and for consumerism. In almost every aspect of any form of communication and most human behaviour, we use symbols. Yet, the meaning behind some symbols is quite surprising. It has been an enlightening read to learn how symbols have been adapted and modified to represent something completely different to its original intent.
There are many aspects of this book that I like. I especially enjoyed the plain language. As I was reading, I was struck with the ease of the descriptions and felt that it would be a great addition to a classroom library. So if you’re a teacher you may want to consider this book. It is educational, informative, interesting and it has lots of symbols (pictures).
Actually, I learned a lot.
This book is loaded with information relating to symbols used by humans. When I finished this book I was surprised at how much I didn’t know about a lot of symbols.
I suppose we just take them for granted.
What’s particularly interesting is that we use symbols so frequently, yet somehow, we forget their origin or even their meaning. It was enlightening to learn the origins of some of the symbols, to understand the true meaning and even the original intent of a symbol. Like how the scarab beetle is not in a flesh eating monster as they are depicted in film. The scarab beetle was once thought of as a symbol of the sun god. Ancient Egyptians noticed they behaved in a similar manner as the sun and were surprised by how they reproduced, it seemed so miraculous it had to have been an intervention from the gods.
As humans, we use symbols to read, to write, to inform, to educate, to warn, to promote and to entertain. We use symbols for armies, for hospitals, for religion and for consumerism. In almost every aspect of any form of communication and most human behaviour, we use symbols. Yet, the meaning behind some symbols is quite surprising. It has been an enlightening read to learn how symbols have been adapted and modified to represent something completely different to its original intent.
There are many aspects of this book that I like. I especially enjoyed the plain language. As I was reading, I was struck with the ease of the descriptions and felt that it would be a great addition to a classroom library. So if you’re a teacher you may want to consider this book. It is educational, informative, interesting and it has lots of symbols (pictures).
vanessa_issa's review
4.0
Thanks to Wellfleet Press for the ARC!
Nice read! It was interesting to learn more about signs and symbols. My favorite pages were the ones regarding our gestures. Lots of new information for me. When I requested this book, I thought I would recognize most of the symbols and would know what they meant. Now, after reading it, I've come to realize that there's much more about them and I had no idea. All my life I've been responding to these signs, but I didn't know why. And also, I was wrong about a few ones. Now things make much more sense.
The design is beautiful, very pleasant for the eyes of the reader.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I wanted it to be a little more complete, maybe. It was so interesting, I wanted to know more about a few subjects and suddenly the author was already changing the topic... But anyway, great introduction for beginners like me.
Nice read! It was interesting to learn more about signs and symbols. My favorite pages were the ones regarding our gestures. Lots of new information for me. When I requested this book, I thought I would recognize most of the symbols and would know what they meant. Now, after reading it, I've come to realize that there's much more about them and I had no idea. All my life I've been responding to these signs, but I didn't know why. And also, I was wrong about a few ones. Now things make much more sense.
The design is beautiful, very pleasant for the eyes of the reader.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I wanted it to be a little more complete, maybe. It was so interesting, I wanted to know more about a few subjects and suddenly the author was already changing the topic... But anyway, great introduction for beginners like me.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Signs & Symbols of the World is a comprehensive reference of more than 1000 symbols collected and curated by D. R. McElroy. Due out 6th July 2021 from Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).
The formal study of symbols and signage, semiotics, is fascinating. The fact that an abbreviated, sometimes tenuously related squiggle can convey information without words is amazing. This book gathers a chiliad (love that word) of symbols together for reference and perusal. In addition to the symbols themselves, the author provides an engaging overview over the history, development, and minutiae behind the symbol categories. This is a very wide ranging collection, everything from uniform rank symbols to alchemical and astrological symbols are included.
The entries are grouped thematically: alchemy, ancient & modern civilizations, astrology, celtic symbols, chemistry, digital, currency (yes, it bugged me too that this is the only chapter out of alphabetical order), ideograms, language, manufacturing, medical, military, music, mythology, popular gestures, religion, sex & gender, sigils & paganism, transportation, and writing & punctuation. In addition to the line drawn basic symbols, there are numerous colored illustrations and some photographs reproduced here. The photography and digital rendering of the symbols in electronic format is formatted and clear enough to follow. Some chapters have practical and/or academic uses, there's a capsule introduction to the periodic table, for example, with a clear explanation of the symbols used to identify and categorize each element. There are some clearly intentional omissions. In the chapter for hand gestures, for example, the "finger" (the "bird", "one finger salute") is overlooked. The author does advise caution when using hand gestures, especially abroad, as meanings vary widely by location. There are some whimsical additions as well - in the same chapter, the author has included both the Vulcan "live long and prosper" symbol as well as "Wakanda forever".
In general, this is a good introduction to a broad range of symbols with some background. It's accessible for all-ages and will give enthusiastic readers enough basic information to investigate further. Since it's appropriate for all ages, it would make a good school or public library selection as well as potential source material for tattoos, drawings, sketching, or journal use.
Four stars. Lots of interesting general info.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Signs & Symbols of the World is a comprehensive reference of more than 1000 symbols collected and curated by D. R. McElroy. Due out 6th July 2021 from Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).
The formal study of symbols and signage, semiotics, is fascinating. The fact that an abbreviated, sometimes tenuously related squiggle can convey information without words is amazing. This book gathers a chiliad (love that word) of symbols together for reference and perusal. In addition to the symbols themselves, the author provides an engaging overview over the history, development, and minutiae behind the symbol categories. This is a very wide ranging collection, everything from uniform rank symbols to alchemical and astrological symbols are included.
The entries are grouped thematically: alchemy, ancient & modern civilizations, astrology, celtic symbols, chemistry, digital, currency (yes, it bugged me too that this is the only chapter out of alphabetical order), ideograms, language, manufacturing, medical, military, music, mythology, popular gestures, religion, sex & gender, sigils & paganism, transportation, and writing & punctuation. In addition to the line drawn basic symbols, there are numerous colored illustrations and some photographs reproduced here. The photography and digital rendering of the symbols in electronic format is formatted and clear enough to follow. Some chapters have practical and/or academic uses, there's a capsule introduction to the periodic table, for example, with a clear explanation of the symbols used to identify and categorize each element. There are some clearly intentional omissions. In the chapter for hand gestures, for example, the "finger" (the "bird", "one finger salute") is overlooked. The author does advise caution when using hand gestures, especially abroad, as meanings vary widely by location. There are some whimsical additions as well - in the same chapter, the author has included both the Vulcan "live long and prosper" symbol as well as "Wakanda forever".
In general, this is a good introduction to a broad range of symbols with some background. It's accessible for all-ages and will give enthusiastic readers enough basic information to investigate further. Since it's appropriate for all ages, it would make a good school or public library selection as well as potential source material for tattoos, drawings, sketching, or journal use.
Four stars. Lots of interesting general info.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
macy_mac's review against another edition
5.0
Showing a lot of signs and symbols that we may encounter or in some cases we don't encounter them nowadays, maybe more in fiction, this book presents the history of some them and the meaning. The symbols are found in different categories like mythology, religion, chemistry and more. It's full of information and I, definitely, enjoyed reading it.
sharondblk's review against another edition
1.0
I received a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I try to be nice when reviewing books. Even if they are "not for me" often I can see who a book might be for. This is a book I have nothing nice to say about.
It does talk about signs and symbols, but not in any logical, or systematic way. It just comes across as a fairly arbitrary list of symbols, with very brief, simplistic descriptions. There are a couple of places I noticed the text was just incorrect - like the information about Scottish tartans, and other where it is misleading, like when they brag about the American dollar being the currency of the world, and then say that "Australia and Canada also use the dollar, but they have different values". We could explore why we all call out currency "dollar".
It mixes widely used symbols (like putting the hands up for "surrender") with popular culture (the Vulcan "live long and prosper hand gesture) with no explanation as to the cultural difference. If you know, you don't need this book, and if you don't it will just confuse you more.
Mainly I can't see the point of this book. It's not a reference book and it doesn't explore anything, It just exists.
I try to be nice when reviewing books. Even if they are "not for me" often I can see who a book might be for. This is a book I have nothing nice to say about.
It does talk about signs and symbols, but not in any logical, or systematic way. It just comes across as a fairly arbitrary list of symbols, with very brief, simplistic descriptions. There are a couple of places I noticed the text was just incorrect - like the information about Scottish tartans, and other where it is misleading, like when they brag about the American dollar being the currency of the world, and then say that "Australia and Canada also use the dollar, but they have different values". We could explore why we all call out currency "dollar".
It mixes widely used symbols (like putting the hands up for "surrender") with popular culture (the Vulcan "live long and prosper hand gesture) with no explanation as to the cultural difference. If you know, you don't need this book, and if you don't it will just confuse you more.
Mainly I can't see the point of this book. It's not a reference book and it doesn't explore anything, It just exists.
jgwc54e5's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting and and informative look at signs and symbols around the world. Divided into sections from alchemy, medicine, religion, military and more, it’s was good to dip in and out of where it caught my eye.
purplelorikeet's review against another edition
3.0
Signs and Symbols of the World is a broad and general book that talks about signs and symbols used in the world from ancient times to the present. This is one of those books that's great for browsing and has bits of information attached to the many illustrations provided. The chapters are mostly in alphabetical order, starting at alchemy and finishing with transportation.
The book covers many subjects and some of them seem to be done quite well. But I did find several that seemed to overlap. This was particularly apparent between languages and various other subjects. I'm assuming it was necessary to make judgements as to how to categorise but I must admit it doesn't seem quite as logical as it could be.
I don't know how comprehensive it is, but the chapter on sex and gender is particularly strong and there were a number of symbols that were completely unfamiliar to me. I felt like the chapters on manufacturing, music and ideograms also covered quite a bit of territory that the average person might run across. Also the chapter on digital symbols was pretty good and there were a number of good illustrations there. That said, I don't feel it was so necessary to show so much of the clipart, especially seeing at its relevance today isn't as high as it might have been in the past.
I do feel the chapter on the military was entirely US-centric, and therefore was quite limited in scope. Instead of showing so many of the US symbols. it might have been good to see examples of various other countries instead. The transportation chapter was reasonably good but I also felt it was rather limited to US examples. It does mention signs from other countries but then fails to show examples. I think just a common speed limit sign from Europe would have been the least that could be illustrated as it is quite a common one outside the US.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I give it 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Chartwell Books for providing an advanced reader copy for free. This review was written voluntarily.
The book covers many subjects and some of them seem to be done quite well. But I did find several that seemed to overlap. This was particularly apparent between languages and various other subjects. I'm assuming it was necessary to make judgements as to how to categorise but I must admit it doesn't seem quite as logical as it could be.
I don't know how comprehensive it is, but the chapter on sex and gender is particularly strong and there were a number of symbols that were completely unfamiliar to me. I felt like the chapters on manufacturing, music and ideograms also covered quite a bit of territory that the average person might run across. Also the chapter on digital symbols was pretty good and there were a number of good illustrations there. That said, I don't feel it was so necessary to show so much of the clipart, especially seeing at its relevance today isn't as high as it might have been in the past.
I do feel the chapter on the military was entirely US-centric, and therefore was quite limited in scope. Instead of showing so many of the US symbols. it might have been good to see examples of various other countries instead. The transportation chapter was reasonably good but I also felt it was rather limited to US examples. It does mention signs from other countries but then fails to show examples. I think just a common speed limit sign from Europe would have been the least that could be illustrated as it is quite a common one outside the US.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I give it 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Chartwell Books for providing an advanced reader copy for free. This review was written voluntarily.
travelling_bookworm's review
5.0
RELEASE YOUR INNER NERD!
I did not only read this book, I relished it over the period of a few days.
Signs & Symbols of the World is a fun and very informative book that covers all the relevant bases when it comes to signs in all the cultural, social, and historical aspects. It really gave me an opportunity to nurture my inner nerd, as I delved into the hundreds of different symbols, packed with facts I did not know about.
I was particularly fascinated by the subjects dealing with alchemy, medical, and astrological signs. Although there were a few sections that I was not necessarily interested in (like military or religion), the subjects are covered in such a brief and compelling way that I could find interesting details as I read them.
I would really recommend this for all the random trivia lovers, like myself.
(I have received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
I did not only read this book, I relished it over the period of a few days.
Signs & Symbols of the World is a fun and very informative book that covers all the relevant bases when it comes to signs in all the cultural, social, and historical aspects. It really gave me an opportunity to nurture my inner nerd, as I delved into the hundreds of different symbols, packed with facts I did not know about.
I was particularly fascinated by the subjects dealing with alchemy, medical, and astrological signs. Although there were a few sections that I was not necessarily interested in (like military or religion), the subjects are covered in such a brief and compelling way that I could find interesting details as I read them.
I would really recommend this for all the random trivia lovers, like myself.
(I have received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)