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A review by thelibraryofimagination
Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained by D. R. McElroy
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).