Reviews
The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images by Archive For Research in Archetyp (aras)
linda_rose's review
5.0
I borrowed this book from the library and hated that I had to return it. I will definitely be purchasing it in the future. Well written with beautiful images to support the text. A wide array of symbols from every day life are discussed from water to the air to an egg. Each selection is given about a 1-2 page discussion with references.
marmot28's review
4.0
A solid reference book on all manner of symbols throughout history and across cultures. Would love more footnotes, but the artwork and thematic organization are helpful.
alphadesigner's review
5.0
This is a book that examines how our environment interacts with our psyche and how we make sense of the world. It starts with the most fundamental and ancient symbols like the Universal egg and expands further towards modernity passing through the symbolism of the plant world, the animal kingdom, and ultimately, our own artificial creations. It's a fascinating collection of illustrated essays that would be of interest to anybody. It's beautifully designed, incredibly well researched and a pleasure to read.
nicolet2018's review
3.0
I have had this on my to read shelf for quite a few years (Since 2017). I could not muster up the effort to buy the book nor pop down to my library as it was only available as a reference material.
I finally got down to doing it and wow it was a tome of a book. The book is split into various sections like human body, nature, animals, the earth and more and each section is divided by an indented portion so u can easily flip to it. Each item has a 1 - 2 page essay on one of the art work featured and I am glad I did not purchase this as it was not what I wanted.
I think it is interesting as it shows art and photos from different cultures and let's the reader think about what the symbol means to them.
I finally got down to doing it and wow it was a tome of a book. The book is split into various sections like human body, nature, animals, the earth and more and each section is divided by an indented portion so u can easily flip to it. Each item has a 1 - 2 page essay on one of the art work featured and I am glad I did not purchase this as it was not what I wanted.
I think it is interesting as it shows art and photos from different cultures and let's the reader think about what the symbol means to them.
cuteswamp's review
1.0
This book is super surface level, it acts as a basic introduction to symbology. I understand the rose is a symbol of love and that an egg is a symbol of creation, this book didn't go into more detail about the symbology throughout history, cultures, religion etc. Thankfully I took it out of the library instead of buying it and returned it the next day.
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