ymbols and
ymbolism
General Bibliography of Print Sources, Annotated
(Alphabetical by entry)
Entry index::
- A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z - Title Index -Thematic index -
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Legend: Text only unless otherwise indicated:
= Source has graphics and text;
= Source has only graphics, any text is limited to labels
General bibliography of major sources: The following is a bibliography of print sources used in this essay, with notations of some variations in editions, etc. Where various authors are cited from a collected work, the individual authors are cited with their chapters, plus the main work is also entered, with a note, "Bibliographically analyzed." [Being this is a work in its initial stages, some works listed here from time to time may later be deleted as irrelevant, even as others are being added.]
Thematic commentary index Citation format description Title Index


- Edwards, Cyril, tranlator. See: Maier, Bernhard. Dictionary of Celtic Religion and Culture. Rochester, NY: Boydell Press, 1997.
- Eliade, Mircea. Images and Symbols: Studies in Religious Symbolism, translated by Philip Mairet. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1991; English translations originally published by Havrill Press, n.d.; originally published as Images et Symboles, 1952, by Libraírie Gallimard. 189 pp., 0-691-020068-X. [PP360] BL600.E413 1991. §: 5.
- ANNOTE
- ______________. Myths, Dreams, and Mysteries: The Encounter between Contemporary Faith and Archaic Realities, translated by Philip Mairet. New York: Harper & Row, 1967; English translation originally published by Havrill Press, 1960; Originally published as Mythes, Réves et Mystères by Libraírie Gallimard, 1957. 254 pp. [PG31] BL311.E413 1967. §: 5, 6.
- ANNOTE
- ______________. Myths, Rites, Symbols: A Mircea Eliade Reader, edited by Wendell C. Beane and William G. Doty. New York: Harper Colophon Books, 1976. 2 vols., 465pp., 0-06-131955-4 (vol 1), 0-06-090511-5 (vol. 2). [PK045; PK046] . §: 5, 6.
- ANNOTE
- _____________. Rites and Symbols of Initiation: The Mysteries of Birth and Rebirth. New York: Harper & Row, c1958, 1965. BL615 .E383 1965. §: 5, 6.
- Contents: Initiation mysteries in primitive religions; The initiatory ordeals; From tribal rites to secret cults; Individual initiations and secret societies; Heroic and shamanic initiations; Patterns of initiation in higher religions. For the "nonspecialist reader interested in the spiritual history of humanity."
- ______________. The Sacred & the Profane: The Nature of Religion, translated by Willard R. Task. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1959. 256pp., 0-15-679201-X. [PL076] BL48.E413 1959. §: 6
- ANNOTE
- ______________. Shamanism, Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. New York: Pantheon Bks, 1964. BL2370.S5E413 1964. §: 5, 6
- Ellis, Peter Berresford. Celtic Myths and Legends. New York: Carroll & Graf, s.d. 629pp., 0-7394-3289-3. [HQ208]. §: 5.
- Contents (major sections): Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany. Text followed by 7 page bibliography of recommended reading and a 9 page index. Ellis basically retells the stories of the mythologies of the British isles.
- ______________. Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 1992. 232pp., 0-87436-609-7. BL900.E45 1992. §: 2.
- Broader in scope than the author's A Dictionary of Irish Mythology, this work has an excellent Introduction, which covers the developments of Celtic culture and recorded literature, as represented by the 6 historic Celtic cultures: Irish, Manx, Scots, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Like the aforementioned work, this one is also intended for the lay reader, not the scholar. After the dictionary's body is an 8-page "Select Bibliography."
- ______________. A Dictionary of Irish Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 1989; originally published, London: Constable and Co, 1987. 240pp., 0-87436-553-8. BL980.I7E45 1989. §: 2
- Intended for the "lay reader," not scholar, this dictionary of Irish mythology attempts to list the various persons, places, and things (as well as some general subjects) and define them. Entries are followed by alternate spellings or names, then the definition. The dictionary includes many cross-references, including from altenate spellings of names. Concludes with a 9-page "Select Bibliography."
- Elvin, Charles Norton. A Dictionary of Heraldry. London: Heraldry Today, 1969; reprint of 1889 original. 47 plates + 135pp.
CR13.E4 1969.
- Although not necessarily dealing with the significance of the various symbols and signs used in heraldry, this book provides a bountiful collection of illustrations with labelling. Following the many plates and their "blazons" (descriptive terms) is a dictionary giving not only the technical definitions but also refering to the illustrations in the plates. There is a bibliography before the start of the plates, using an abbreviated form: Author's last name, title, date.
- Endres, Franz Carl: see instead: Schimmel, Annemarie.
- Evans, Bergen. Dictionary of Mythology: Mainly Classical. New York: Laurel Editions, Dell, 1973; Originally published Lincoln, NE : Centennial Press, 1970. 333 pp. [PE003] BL303.E9. §: 2.
- A straight forward dictionary of classical mythology with some entries related to north European myth by a recognized authority in the field. Includes a 2-page bibliography and an extensive index. There are cross-references as well as some line drawings.
- Evans, Joan. Magical Jewels of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. New York: Dover Publications, 1976; originally published Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1922. 264pp., 0-486-23367-7. [PK255] §: 7.
- A discussion of lapidaries in Great Britain during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with their history and applications. As the author states in the beginning of her introduction, the distinction between religion, magic, and science is not always so clear when looking at historical circumstances. Nonetheless, much of this book concerns the importance, symbolically, of gems.


Fa Fe Fo Fr
- Fabiny, Tibor. The Lion and the Lamb: Figuralism and Fulfilment in the Bible, Art and Literature. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992. 164pp., 0-312-07544-8. BS478.F28 1992.
- As the subtitle indicates, this is a study of figuralism (or, typology) in the context of the Bible and theology, as well as in the interpretations of art and literature. In this case, the art and literature is that of the late medieval era, early renaissance, plus T.S. Eliot. Concludes with a 9-page, categorized bibliography and a 6-page index.
- Farley, Edward. Deep Symbols: Their Postmodern Effacement and Reclamation. Valley Forge: Trinity Press, 1996. 145pp., 1-56338-185-0. P99.S62F37 1996. §: 6, 10.
- A study of symbolic words, to which the author often refers by the phrase, "words of power." He studies their lost meaning and suggests how they might be reestablished in the postmodern world, as well as examining how his selected symbols, "tradition," "obligation/duty," "reality," "law," and "hope," are interdependent and the effect of concepts upon each other.
- Ferber, Michael. A Dictionary of Literary Symbols. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999. 263 pp, 0-521-59128-7. PN56.S9F47 1999. §: 2, 8.
- A dictionary that states clearly in its title the intended limitations, this work includes symbols to be found in literature, not art, myth, or any other usage. Proper names are also excluded. Most definitions are lengthy and include quotations as well as having cross-references at the end. Again, the definitions relate the defined term to interpreting literary allusions and symbolism, rather than other usages. A further heavy usage of cross-references from unused terms to preferred terms eliminates the provision of an index. An "authors cited" section includes the authors, their known dates, and their language. The 5-page bibliography is arranged in broad categories, making it especially useful for those persons who need to do further research. With no proper name entries, an index by proper name to the entries within which persons and places are mentioned would have been a major boon.
- Ferguson, George. Signs & Symbols in Christian Art. New York: Oxford University Press, 1954; paperback, 1961. 192 pp. + 112 plates; 0-19-501432-4.
[PP219] N7830.F37 1961b. §: 2, 4, 6.
- Serving as an introduction to and a description of the use of signs and symbols, especially in Medieval Christian art, the book is arranged in 14 chapters, an introduction, a list of plates, and a selective 5 page index. (Selectively indexed, for example, in that "A and W" are indexed, but not "Alpha" nor "Omega," much less "Alpha and Omega," nor the Greek letters. Peculiar.) Contents: I. Animals, Birds, and Insects; II. Flowers, Trees, and Plants; III. Earth and Sky; IV. The Human Body; V. The Old Testament; VI. St. John the Baptist; VII. The Virgin Mary; VIII. Jesus Christ; IX. The Trinity, the Madonna, and Angels; X. The Saints; XI. Radiances, Letters, Colors, and Numbers; XII. Religious Dress; XIII. Religious Objects; XIV. Artifacts. Most items are complemented by graphics in the outside margins of the pages, with 112 full page plates of Medieval art works in the center of the book. All graphics are black & white. Entries within each of the 14 sections are arranged alphabetically.
- Ferguson, John C. See: The Mythology of All Races, vol. 8, Chinese.
- Fernando, Diana. The Dictionary of Alchemy: An A-Z of History, People and Definitions. London: Vega, 2002. 192pp., 1-84333-618-9.
QD23.5.F47 2002. §: 7.
- In the Introduction, the book is attributed to the convergence of modern alchemy and modern physics. Indeed, the author begins the Introduction by equating alchemy and witchcraft, then extends the definition to include Rosicrucians and Kaballists, and generally seems to use the term as an alternate to "occult." In the author's effort to give alchemy and modern alchemists scientific respectibility, most definitions are written as facts; even items most commonly considered symbolically are here often defined solely in terms of facts. The book's greatest value is its concise biographies of persons popularly related to alchemy and other "occult arts," keeping in mind its viewpoint. Concludes with 3-page bibliography but no index. Be wary of the illustrations: On one page is an illustration of a golem (which looks like a common illustration for Mandrake root); two pages later, its smaller, mirror image is used for "male herb," without explanation. While some cross-references occur, usually at the end of articles, more are needed, especially in the absence of an index. While the definition of "Golem" mentions homunculus as a type, there is no reference between it and the entry, "Homunculus." while the later makes neither mention nor reference to golems, either.
- Fontana, David. The Secret Language of Dreams: A Visual Key to Dreams and Their Meanings. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1994. 176 pp.; 0-8118-0791-6.
[PP261] BF175.5.D74F66 1994. §: 8.
- A lavishly illustrated book that begins with a brief history of dream research, then summarizes Freudian and Jungian psychology (with illustrative dreams by each of the two men.) The book continues by describing aspects of dream symbology and giving illustrative dreams with their interpretations. Concludes with a limited bibliography, notes on the text, dream index, and subject index. This book (of Fontana's pair) is organized more around ideas than concrete images. Therefore, for instance, "Masks" are discussed under "Direction and Identity." The "Dream Index" indexes the concrete images whereas the "Subject Index" indexes the broader categories.
- __________________. The Secret Language of Symbols: A Visual Key to Symbols and Their Meanings. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1993. 192pp.; also available in a standard sized paperback with 320 pp, 2003; 0-8118-0462-3.
[PO201/PQ301] BF458.F56 1994. §: 4, 8.
- Another heavily illustrated book, dealing with symbology and individual types of symbols. In addition to details about specific types of images, the author discusses types of symbolism, such as mazes, numbers, and colors, as well as describing specific symbol systems such as alchemy, the Kabbalah, Tantra, etc. The sections on astrology and the tarot go into more detail about specific symbols than do the others. The book concludes with a glossary, "further reading," and index. The pages within this book are more concerned with visual images whereas "Dreams," above, is organized around ideas.
- ______________. See also: Tresidder, Jack. Symbols and Their Meanings, 2006, annotation.
- Foster, Mary LeCron. "14. Symbolism: The Foundation of Culture," (366-395); In: Ingold, Tim, ed. Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology. London: Routledge, 1994. 1127pp., 0-415-02137-5. GN25.C65 1994.
- This article begins with 5, compact paragraphs defining symbols, meaning, culture and their relationship to one another and to the participants within a specific culture. Even persons not particularly interested in the anthropological perspective will find these few paragraphs useful for their definition of terms and explication of their relationships within the contextual "web of culture." The systems of Charles Sanders Peirce and Ferdinand de Saussure for defining symbols are briefly described. Five anthropologists are used to elucidate the main perspectives within anthropology concerning the understanding of symbols. The article further uses these (and other writers) to survey, often critically, various anthropological approaches to methodology, enthology, linguistics, etc. There is also a suggested chronology of how primitive humans developed symbological abilities, based on childhood developmental progression. In conclusion, not only is the evoloutionary development summarized, but the need for future use of the symbolizing facility is projected.
- Foster, Mary LeCron, and Botscharow, Lucy Jayne, eds. The Life of Symbols. Boulder: Westview Press, 1990. 318 pp.
P99.L53 1990. §: 4, 5.
- Contents: "The Ontogeny and Phylogeny of Symbolizing," Catherine M. Borchert and Adrienne L. Zihlman; "The Origin of counting: A Rethinking of Upright Posture," Maxine Sheets-Johnstone; "Paleolithic Semiotics: Behavioral Analogs to Speech in Acheuleuan Sites," Lucy Jayne Botscharow; "Red Ochre in the Paleolithic", Joseph Velo and Alice B. Kehoe; "Philosophy and the Corpse: Modes of Disposal and Their Cultural Correlates," Slawoy Szynkiewicz; "'Neolithic' Patterns of Face Representation: A Neuro-Evoilutionary Ecological Study," Anneliese A. Pontius; "Cognitive Cores and Flint Flakes," Robert L. Hall; "Corralling Life," Thomas F. Kehoe; "Representation of Movement in Upper Paleolithic Figurative Art," Germaine Prudhommeau; "Symbols and Sacred Images of Old Europe," Marija Gimbutas; "A Neolithic Sign System in Southeastern Europe," Shan M. M. Winn; 'The Birth and Life of Signs," Mary LeCron Foster. While this collection of essays cohere by the discipline of semiotics, several develop into excellent discussions of topics related directly to symbolism. In the introductory essay to the second section, "Persistence and Congruity," the editors' excessive use of the symbol of crossing the Rubicon (but they never capitalize), makes a reader wish Caesar had made his decision at the Po or Tiber instead. Using the concept of developmental stages would have presented the arguments more coherently, if less symbolically. Most of the essays are heavily dependent upon anthropological constructs and theory.
- Fox, William Sherwood. See: The Mythology of All Races, vol. 1, Greek and Roman.
- Franz, Marie-Louise von. Dreams. Boston: Shambhala, 1991. 197pp., 0-87773-901-3. BF1078.F6514 1991. §: 8.
- This collection of papers by von Franz presents her perspective on dreams, both theoretical and as interpretations of a number of historical figures. Contents: The Hidden Source of Self-Knowledge; How C. G. Jung Lived with His Dreams; The Dream of Socrates; The Dreams of Themistocles and Hannibal; The Dream of Monica, Mother of Saint Augustine; The Dreams f the Mother of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and the Mother of Saint Dominic; The Dream of Descartes. Includes a glossary of basic Jungian terms.
- ______________. Individuation in Fairy Tales, rev. ed. Boston: Shambhala, 1990. 230pp., 0-87773-525-5. GR550.F7 1990. §: 8, 9.
- In an interpretation of several fairy tales involving birds or gems, Marie-Louise von Franz shows how the tales relate to human individuation. Each interpretation is preceeded by a recounting of the tale. Contents: 1. The White Parrot (Spain); 2. The Bath Bädgerd (Persia); 3. Four Short Tales (Prince Hassan Pasha, The Bird Flower-Triller, The Nightingale Gisar, and The Bird Wehmus); 4. The Four Tales Considered; 5. The Bird Motif: Conclusion. Includes Notes plus an 8-page index.
- ______________. On Dreams and Death: A Jungian Interpretation, translation of Traum und Tod by Emmanuel Xipolitas Kennedy and Vernon Brooks. Boston: Shambhala, 1987. 193pp., 0-87773-405-4. BF1099.D4F7313 1987. §: 8.
- A study of dreams by persons anticipating death and those who died unexpectedly. Includes an extensive bibliography as well as an 11-page index. Chapters include topics such as the grave of Osiris, vegetation, death marriage, dark birth passage, the "Other," passage through fire and water, sacrifices, and Jung's new hypothesis. The latter chapter relates Jung's hypothesis to recent discoveries and paradigm changes within physics.
- ______________. Time: Rhythm and Repose. London: Thames & Hudson, 1978. 96pp., 0-500-81016-8.
[PJ128]. §: 8.
- A heavily-illustrated study of how time has been viewed, measured, and represented throughout history and across cultures, presented in a large-format book. The central focus is on how time and myth interact, and the archetypal experience of time--what is it? Includes a large, 1-page bibliography.
- Frazer, James. The Golden Bough. Macmillan, 1911-1915; (first edition published 1890) in 12 volumes plus "Aftermath." BL310 .F7 1911 Also, The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, 1 volume, abridged ed. New York: Macmillan, 1922; paperback, 1963. [PI114]. §: 2, 5.
- This was one of the first efforts to collect and organize the range of primitive myths and folk beliefs across the world (although it focusses on Europe.) This standard of objective study relating similar beliefs has long been the source of choice when seeking similarities between cultures, and attempting to penetrate the meanings of those rites and symbols. It was originally intended to be a single volume on the relation of magic to kingship, but gradually developed into a far-flung examination of primitive beliefs, especially of European peasants, as a means of getting to the original beliefs of Indo-Europeans. (Please note that Sir James Frazer refers to Aryans, which was the term then used for the cultures we now categorize as Indo-Europeans.) Contents: The magic art; Taboo and the perils of the soul; The Dying god; Adonis, Attis, Osiris; Spirits of the corn and of the wild; The scapegoat; Balder the beautiful; Bibliography and general index; Aftermath/supplementary volume.
- Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams, revised. Die Traumdeutung, originally published 1899; translated by Joyce Crick. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. 458pp., 0-19-210049-1. BF1078.F72 1999.
- This centennial translation of the original edition of this classic work, minus all the modifications Freud later introduced, is intended for purists seeking the structure with which Freud started, rather than his developed theory. Indeed, those looking for a variorum edition are referred to James Strachey's translation of the eighth edition, which includes the expansion of chapter VI with a long section on symbolism. This translation includes a bibliography of works about Freud and his theories before the text, as well as a chronology of Freud's life. The text is followed by Freud's bibliography then the translator's copious "Explanatory Notes." A 3-page index of dreams by topic is followed by a 15-page general index.
- _______________. On Dreams. New York: Norton & Co, 1989. Translated and edited by James Strachey. 84 pp. BF1078.F7713 1989.
- A popularization of his more detailed The Interpretation of Dreams by Freud. This edition, based on a 1952 translation, includes a brief biography of Freud, as well as a brief bibliography and a 6-page index .
- Freud, Sigmund and Oppenheim, D. Ernst. Dreams in Folklore. New York: International Universities Press, 1958. Tranlated from the German by A. M. O. Richards. 111 pp. BF1079.F693. §: 5, 8.
- Based on a manuscript by Oppenheim and expanded by Freud around 1911, but never published, this is a look at how dreams are viewed by the "common man." The text repeats stories of dreams which include sexual interpretations. The book includes both the cover letter from Freud and the text in the original German as well as an English translation.
- Frutiger, Adrian. Signs and Symbols: Their Design and Meaning, translated by Andrew Bluhm. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1989. 360 pp.
P99F78 1989. §: 3, 4.
- A print designer's view of basic symbols, signs, and signals, and what their design means. Frutiger notes an interesting relationship between eras and symbols, signs, and signals. (Frutiger, 345) Frutiger, a master typographer, has put much effort and thought into what is involved in signs and symbolism; this book shows the results, not only in how designs change, but what combinations can signify. This is a great survey of how alphabets developed and spread; it contains many variations of basics signs and what the variations mean; it follows a developmental pattern and, probably, covers more ground than any one book should. Nonetheless, its examination should be considered one of the most essential by anyone studying typography, signs, or symbols. Contents: The three major "parts" (each of which could be a separate book) are: 1: "Sign Recognition, Sign Formation"; 2: "Speech-Fixing signs"; 3: "Sign, Symbol, Emblem, Signal." The latter part, most relevant for this essay, includes: "Introduction"; "From Illustration to Symbol"; "The Symbol"; "The Graphic Wealth of Figurative Symbols"; "Abstract Symbols"; "Signs of Pseudoscience and Magic"; "Signature Signs"; "Signs of Community"; "Trademarks"; "Technical and Scientific Signs". The volume ends with "Toward a Synthesis," "Epilogue," and a bibliography.


- Gibson, Clare. Signs & Symbols: An Illustrated Guide to Their Meaning and Origins. New York: Barnes & Nobles, s.d.; Originally published, Saraband Inc., 1996. 160 pp.; 0-7607-0217-9.
[HP086] AZ108.G52 1996. §: 2, 4.
- The Introduction to this work is wide-ranging in its brief coverage of the many aspects of symbols and the study of symbolism, from history and relgion to psychology, semiotics, linguistics and on to art movements and political usages. This book is heavily illustrated, both with original graphics and photographic reproductions of art works. Contents: Sacred Symbols; Symbols of identity; Symbols of Magic and the Occult and Symbol Systems; Nature Symbols; The Symbolism of Fantastic Creatures; The Symbolism of the Emotions and Inner Mind. Within each chapter are additional sections, with the entries arranged within the subsections. The bibliography is arranged by title, not main entry; it does include most of the basic works on symbolism. Like the bibliography, the 4 page index is printed in tiny print and is therefore more detailed than appears at first glance.
- Green, Roger Lancelyn. King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1953. 282 pp. [PI001]. §: 5.
- ANNOTE
- Greenfield, Amy Butler. A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2005. 338pp., 0-06-052275-5. TP925.C63G74 2004. §: 4.
- While much of the book is about the history of conflict and espionage over cochineal, the prologue, "The Color of Desire," provides an interesting overview of the meanings of the color, red. However, within each chapter there is often pages about colors and their meaning. For instance, Chapter Two begins with red's meanings then proceeds to purple before returning to red. Even the last chapter, "Cheap Color," deals with the meanings of various colors which became popular after the loss of importance of red. In general, this is a well-written, interesting book. Notes, a 26-page select bibliography, lengthy acknowledgements, and a 14-page index conclude the book.
- Grimal, Pierre, ed. The Dictionary of Classical Mythology, translated from Dictionnaire de la Mythologie Greque et Romaine (Paris: Presses Universitaire de France, 1951) by A. R. Maxwell-Hyslop. Oxford: Blackwell, 1986. 603pp., 0-631-13209-0.
BL715.G173 1986. §: 2.
- This is a major work which attempts to not only cover all the personae of classical mythology, but to represent the variations of the myths, which becames very important when reading modern derivative works. Although it is the translation of a 1951 French work, it is probably one of the best dictionaries of classical mythology. Not only does it cover the variations of each myth, but it also, immediately after each Greek entry, gives the entry in its original Greek language and alphabet. In a derivative of the current work, A Concise Dictionary of Mythology, edited by Stephen Kershaw and also published by Blackwell, the different entries occasionally have inconsistencies. For instance, the entries on Acacallis are similar in both editions. But look up her son, Miletus, and the Kershaw edition says he is the son of Deione (neither edition includes an entry for her) and "either fed by a wolf and taken in by shepherds, or taken in by Aria's father Cleochus." (p. 275) There is no mention of Acacallis. The original translation has the variations, including mention of both Deione and Acacallis, not to mention Aria as a third possible mother. Curiously, Kershaw does add some entries lacking in the original translation. Both include an irregular cross-reference system. Names in all capitals always have entries, but so do some names in normal capitalization. The 1986 translation also has 2 maps before the text. Following the text, it has a list of specific bibliographic references for each entry, a "Table of Sources," (with the source name used in the text followed by specific bibliographic information,) a collection of "Genealogical Tables," and an index, all of which are lacking in the Kershaw edition except for 8 of the 39 genealogical tables.
- ______________, ed. Larousse World Mythology. Translated by Patricia Beardworth from Mythologies de la Mediterranée au Gange and Mythologies des Steppes, des Illes et des Forêts, both published Paris: Augé, Gillon, Hollier-Larousse, Moreau et Cie, 1963. Secaucus, N.J.: Chartwell Books, Inc., 1973. 560pp., 0-89009-060-2. Original English edition, 1965.
BL311.G683 1973. §: 2.
- This single volume encyclopedia of world mythology, originally published in the U.S. by Putnam's Sons in 1965, contains heavily illustrated essays on the mythologies of various cultures around the world. Please note, the only indication of authorship of the various chapters is in the Contents table, but not anywhere within the essay, including initial page. The body of the text is followed by a 2-page, categorized "Suggestions for Further Reading." Then there is a 10-page general index followed by 2-page "Index to Illustrations." A list of color illustrations is found following the Contents.
- Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Dreams: Symbols and Interpretations. New York: Crossroad, 1993. 206pp., 0-8245-1240-5. BF1091.G84 1993. §: 2, 8.
- The author has written this book to help people use their dreams by interpretation. The first third of the book deals with how dreams may be viewed and how to interpret them, while the last 2/3 is a dictionary of symbols, with some illustrations. Contents: (I) 1-The Science of Dreams; 2-Cross-Cultural Beliefs About Dreams; 3-Nightmares; 4-Dreams and the Paranormal; 5-Dreams and Alchemy; 6-Working with Dreams; (II) Encyclopedia of Dream Symbols A-Z. Concluded by a 4-page bibliography and an explanation of the jacket art. The vast majority of the entries in the "encyclopedia" are brief, quick explanations of the standard interpretations of images.


- Hall, James A. Clinical Uses of Dreams: Jungian Interpretations and Enactments. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1977. 367pp., 0-8089-1053-1. BF1078. H26. §: 8.
- Beginning with a history of dream interpretation from ancient times to modern sleep studies, Hall then describes Jungian concepts, proceeds to cover clinical attention to dreams, ending with an explanation of "enactments," the external expression of the creative unconscious. Although there is no bibliography, each chapter has its references at the end of the chapter. A 17-page index concludes the book.
- Handbooks of World Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2001- , several titles are still pending publication:. See title list, below:
- This series follows an arrangement by which the culture and mythological concepts are introduced, the main stories or story-chains are recounted, a dictionary where deities, places, and concepts are defined, and a bibliography of basic sources provided. They also conclude with, among other things, a glossary, an index, and a brief vita of the author. An excellent series of high quality work by experts that, nonetheless, provide a valuable introduction for the beginner into the mythology within the context of its culture. In the following list, titles known to have been published include publication data; other titles are pending publication.
- Handbook of Arab Mythology. El-Shamy, Hasan.
- Handbook of Celtic Mythology. Nagy, Joseph Falaky.
- Handbook of Chinese Mythology. Yang Lihui and An Deming, with Turner, Jessica Anderson. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2005.
- Handbook of Classical Mythology. Hansen, William. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2004.
- Handbook of Egyptian Mythology. Pinch, Geraldine. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2002.
- Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Williams, George M. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2003.
- Handbook of Inca Mythology. Allen, Catherine.
- Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Ashkenazi, Michael. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2003.
- Handbook of Mesoamerican Mythology. Read, Kay Almere, and González, Jason J.
- Handbook of Native American Mythology. Bastian, Dawn, and Mitchell, Judy.
- Handbook of Norse Mythology. Lindow, John. Santa Barabara, CA: ABC Clio, 2001.
- Handbook of Polynesian Mythology. Craig, Robert D. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2004.
- Hansen, William. Handbook of Classical Mythology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC Clio, 2004; "Handbooks of World Mythology" series. 394pp., 1-57607-226-6.
BL723.H36 2004.
- This is another entry in the excellent series, "Handbooks of World Mythology." by ABC Clio. Following a similar organization to the other books in the series, this volume has an "Introduction," which explains the background in terms of cultural concepts. Chapter 2 is about Time and the functions of myth within Classical societies. Then follows Chapter 3, the dictionary of deities, demigods, and concepts. Each article in this section has an entry title, a brief definition, the text of the main article (with internal references to original sources) which finishes with epithets and attributes, followed by cross-references and suggested readings. Chapter 4 is the annotated bibliography of print and non-print sources (including websites.) In this volume there follows a list of abbreviations and selected bibliography, a glossary, a 25-page index, and a brief vita of the author.
- Harduf, David Mendel. Biblical Proper Names: A Symbolic Interpretation. Tel Aviv: Izreel Publishing House, 1975. 53pp. BS435.H3413 1975.
- Noted on the verso of the title page that this was originally a "supplement to a thesis submitted to Jews' College (University of London)." The small book consists of a list of proper names and titles from the Bible and their symbolic interpretations.
- Hart, George. A Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1986. 229pp., 0-7102-0167-2, pbk, 0-7102-0965-7, hbk.
BL2450.G6H37 1986.
- For a small but in-depth dictionary of the deities of ancient Egypt, this one is hard to beat. Limited to the deities themselves, although including various categories such as cavern deities, this dictionary does exclude other aspects of the myths. On the other hand, it does include deities from outside Egypt who, nonetheless, had important influence or were accepted within the country. After a very brief "Preface," there are 2 maps of the nomes (districts) of Lower and Upper Egypt, followed by the text of the Dictionary. For each deity, not only is their known history/development described by the meanings of their name or titles are given, as well as how local or widespread their worship. Two special entries are included: Under "Gate deities" is are 3 lists of "gates" and their respective gods/goddesses and characteristics; Under "Nome gods," is a table showing the "ensign" (symbol/hieroglyph?) of the nome, its location and name, and the prinicple deities of the nome, for each of the 42 nomes (districts.) Following the text of the dictionary is a 1-page bibliography and a page of "Alternative renderings of divine names." All names within entries that are in italics are cross-references to their own entry.
- Hathaway, Nancy. The Friendly Guide to Mythology: A Mortal's Companion to the Fantastical Realm of Gods, Goddesses, Monsters, and Heroes. New York: Viking, 2001. 424pp.
BL311.H38 2000. §: 5.
- A very peculiar book, with a preface that incorporates all the major names related to mythology in the twentieth century except Mircea Eliade, but never tells the purpose or intent of the book. An asset of the Preface is that, in most cases, after mentioning the modern scholars, the author presents ancient, classical, or medieval precursors with their similar theories. The book is arranged topically, and recounts, with a critical eye at times, the basic myths related to the topic. While paying heavy attention to Greek mythology, the text is at the same time broadly multicultural. After the text, the book includes a 50-page "Glossary" (mainly personal names with brief descriptions); a 12-page bibliography; and 20-page index.
- Heisenberg, Werner. "The Representation of Nature in Contemporary Physics." In: May, Rollo, ed. Symbolism in Religion and Literature. New York: George Braziller, 1960.
- Holmberg, Uno. See: The Mythology of All Races, vol. 4, Finno-Ugric, Siberian.
- Hopper, Vincent Foster. Medieval Number Symbolism: Its Sources, Meaning, and Influence on Thought and Expression. New York: Cooper Square Publishers, 1969; originally pub. 1938. 241 pp. BF1623.P9H53 1969. §: 7.
- A detailed description of various number systems from the Gnostics and Kabbalah through medieval uses, religious and alchemical, to Dante. Includes an appendix on numerical symbols of "northern paganism".
- Hynes, William J., ed., and Doty, William G., ed. Mythical Trickster Figures: Contours, Contexts, and Criticisms. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama Pr., 1993. 265pp., 0-8173-0599-8. GR524.M96 1993. §: 5.
- ANNOTE
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