Signs and Symbols by Miranda Bruce-Mitford
Since when did certain hand gestures become offensive? And why are scales a symbol of justice?For thousands of years, humans have communicated through a language of signs and symbols. From uniforms to body adornment and corporate logos, symbols are everywhere, and this book is your guide to their secret meanings and history.
The Sun as well as the night sky with its stars and planets has long been used to symbolize supernatural forces. Learn about this and also how humans have used patterns, numbers, clothing, and more to signal authority, kinship, and status. Signs & Symbols decodes over 2000 emblems, explaining the visual language of architecture, heraldry, religion, and death. It answers questions such as why, for example, Christianity is symbolized by a fish, or how the Chinese use the crane bird to signify longevity.
This comprehensive book also explores how certain gemstones or flowers became linked to personal qualities and how the alphabet and national flags came into being.
Signs & Symbols will open your eyes to the fascinating world of symbolism that is embedded in every area of our lives.
DK was founded in London in 1974 and is currently a part of Penguin Random House, which was formed on July 1, 2013. For adults and children, DK produces highly visual, photographic nonfiction. With offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto, DK creates content for consumers in over 87 countries and 62 languages. DK's mission is to educate, enrich, and delight readers of all ages, and everything DK produces, whether in print or digital format, reflects the company's distinct design approach. DK's unique combination of words and visuals, put together to amazing effect, gives unrivaled clarity to a wide range of topics.
For both print and digital products, we have a reputation for design creativity. Travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, food, and parenting are all covered in our adult collection. DK's large children's list contains a wealth of knowledge for kids, toddlers, and newborns. DK has an outstanding collection of licensing products, including the bestselling LEGO(R) books, and covers everything from animals and the human body to homework help and craft activities.
DK is the parent company of Alpha Books, which publishes the Idiot's Guides series, and Prima Games, which publishes video games, as well as Rough Guides, an award-winning travel publisher.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780756633936 |
| ISBN 10 | 0756633931 |
| Title | Signs and Symbols |
| Author | Miranda Bruce-Mitford |
| Series | Dk Compact Culture Guides |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | DK |
| Year published | 2008-06-16 |
| Number of pages | 352 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |