ymbols and ymbolism

General Bibliography of Print Sources, Annotated
(Alphabetical by entry)

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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

•   I Ching.  Based on the translation of James Legge; edited with an introduction by Raymond van Over.  New York:  Mentor/New American Library, 1971.  444pp.,0-451-61842-4.    [PK132] PL2478.D47 1971.  §: 7.
  Raymond van Over takes a classic translation of the I Ching and edits it to a more public-friendly edition.  (Given the essential complexity of the work, one might ask "Why simplify when even the simplification is complex?")  While the Wilhelm translation (below) puts more emphasis on the book as an entry into the Oriental wisdom and mental perspective, this editor, and the original translator, do not ignore those aspects, those values of this complex composition.  Contents:  I. Editor's Introduction (Psyched: East & West; The Book of Changes; Change in the I Ching); The Oracle; On the Use of the Oracle; Notes on This Edition); II. The Hexagrams; III. Legge's Preface and Introduction; IV. Legge's Appendixes [sic] III-VI (The Great Treatise; On the First and Second Hexagrams; Treatise of Remarks on the Trigrams; The Orderly Sequence of the Hexagrams; Treatise on the Hexagrams Taken Promiscuously.)  In section II, the book includes Legge's notes on each hexagram following the formal translation of the text. 

    I Ching:  The Book of Changes, 3rd ed.  Translated into German by Richard Wilhelm; the German translated into English by Cary F. Baynes.  Princeton, NJ:  Princeton University Press, 1967.  Preface by Hellmut Wilhelm.  Foreword by C. G. Jung.  740pp.,0-691-09750-X.    [HK260] PL2478.D8 1967.  §: 7.

  Sometimes criticized for not being a direct translation from Chinese to English, this two level translation is still recognized as a major improvement over other translations of its day.  Indded, it is almost worth the price just for the Foreword by Carl Jung, especially for students of symbolism.  In his Introduction, Wilhelm explains the use and history of the book. Then follows "Book I, The Text" where the text of each hexagram (along with the Chinese character and English names) is detailed in 4 sections: a description of the hexagram, "The Judgement," "The Image," and "The Lines."   "Book II, The Material," contains several sections, including a discussion of the trigrams and "The Greater Treatise," "Underlying Principles,"Detailed Discussion," additional materials, and "The Structure of the Hexagrams."  Book III, The Commentaries," where each hexagram is given additional discussion of its symbolism and significance.  The book concludes with appendices that explain different means of "casting fortunes."  Finally, there are trigram/hexagram and word indexes.

    Ingold, Tim, ed.  Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology:  Humanity, Culture and Social Life.  London:  Routledge, 1994.  1127pp., 0-415-02137-5.  GN25.C65 1994. 

  The following chapters have further analysis under their respective authors:  14. Foster, Mary LeCron.  "Symbolism:  The Foundation of Culture," (366-395);  15. Miller, Daniel.  "Artefacts and the Meaning of Things," (396-419);  20. Lewis, Gilbert.  "Magic, Religion and the Rationality of Belief," (563-590);  21. Weiner, James F.  "Myth and Metaphor," (591-612);  22. Schechner, Richard.  "Ritual and Performance," (613-647).  Each chapter in the book has its own "References" and its own, usually extensive, bibliography of "further reading," which often overlap. 

•   James, William.  The Varieties of Religious Experience.   London:  Longmans Green, 1908.  [HM140] BR110.J3 1908.  §: 6.
  ANNOTE

    Johnson, Robert A.  Lying with the Heavenly Woman:  Understanding and Intergrating the Feminine Archetypes in Mens's Lives.  San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1994.  101pp.  BF692.5.J64 1994. 

  ANNOTE

    Jung, C. G. (Carl Gustav).  Most, if not all, of Jung's writings should be considered to be a part of the study of symbols and symbolism.  Perhaps no one in history has spent more effort to understand man's symbols and his use of them.  After breaking with Freud, Jung took a broader perspective on symbols as well as psychology.  Below, Jung's writings are listed in two categories: First, are two books that are most accessible to the lay reader; second, are the books more intricate and more demanding of the reader.  Also, see above,  Dyer, Donald R.  Cross-Currents of Jungian Thought, for a guide to writings by and about Carl Jung.  The introduction begins with an essay, "On Reading Jung," for those who wish to study in depth, as well as suggestions for with which publications to begin the study.

      ____________ , ed.  Man and His Symbols.  London:  Aldus Books, 1964.    [PK310] BF173 .J735 1964b

  This is the last attempt Jung was willing to make to express his ideas in simplified terms, and then only with the help of selected "associates."  Contents:  1. Approaching the Unconscious, Carl G. Jung;  2. Ancient Myths and Modern Man, Joseph L. Henderson;  3. The Process of Individuation, M.-L von Franz;  4. Symbolism in the Visual Arts, Aniela Jaffé;  5. Symbols in Individual Analysis, Jolande Jacobi;  Conclusion: Science and the Unconscious, M.-L. von Franz.  This heavily illustrated book attempts an introduction to various aspects of analytical psychology.  There is also a small paperback edition commonly available, but I do not recommend it; with tiny illustrations and only black & white, much of the detail of illustrations is lost, limiting their significance in understanding the narratives.

      ____________.  Memories, Dreams, Reflections.  Recorded and edited by Aniela Jaffé.  Translated from the German, Erinnerungen Träume Gedanken by Richard and Clara Winston.  New York:  Vintage Books, 1965; Random House, 1961.  [PJ178] BF109.J8 A33

  In part an autobiography, in part a sharing of personal causes and reasonings.  It is better to read Man and His Symbols first, because this book presumes some familiarity with basic concepts of analytical psychology, another name for Jungian psychology.

          The following titles, referred to as "professional" writings, do require slow, careful reading, but are (usually) not beyond an educated reader's ability, regardless of background, so long as the mind is kept open to new ideas and evidence.

      ____________.  Alchemical Studies, translated by R.F.C. Hull.  Princeton, N.J.:  Princeton University Press, 1967.  Vol. 13 of The Collected Works of C. G. Jung; 444 pp.    BF23 .J763 1953 v.13.  §: 7.

  A collection of 5 writings by Jung; Contents:  I. Commentary on "The Secret of the Golden Flower'; II. The Visions of Zosimos; III. Paracelsus as a Spiritual Phenomenon; IV. The Spirit Mercurius; V. The Philosophical Tree. 

      ____________.  Flying Saucers:  A Modern Myth, translated by R.F.C. Hull.  New York:  MJF Books, 1978.  138pp.  1-5673-121-0.    [HP093] TL789.J813 1978.

  In this book, Jung presents patients' dreams that include "flying saucers" and aliens, and analyzes how the images relate to mental health and modern symbolism, especially the mandalaic symbol of wholeness. 

      ____________.  Mandala Symbolism, extracted from The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, vol. 9, pt. 1, of the Collected Works of C. G. Jung.  Princeton, N.J.:  Princeton University Press/Bollingen, 1972.  121pp.; 0-691-01781-6.    [PJ288] BF458.J852.

  A collection of essays on mandalas and their relation to the human psyche, especially as related to individuation.  Contents:  Mandalas; A Study in the Process of Individuation; Concerning Mandala Symbolism.  Includes many color and black and white illustrations.  As a result, the book also deals with many of the symbols included in the various mandalas; for more specifics, see the index.  Includes a 10-page bibliography and an index.

      ____________.  Psychology and the East.  Princeton, NJ:  Princeton University Press, 1978.  211pp.  BF173.J6623 1978. 

  Several selections from different volumes of the complete works, each related to Jung's analysis of Asian cultures, reprinted in paperback form.  Contents:  Commentary on "The Secret of the Golden Flower";  Psychological Commentary on "The Tibetan Book of the Dead";  Yoga and the West;  The Dreamlike World of India;  What India Can Teach Us;  Psychological Commentary on "The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation";  Foreword to Suzuki's "Introduction to Zen Buddhism";  The Psychology of Eastern Meditation;  The Holy Men of India'  Foreword to Abegg, "Ostasien denkt anders";  Foreword to the "I Ching";  On the Discourses of the Buddha. 

      ____________.  Symbols of Transformation::  An Analysis of the Prelude to a Case of Schizophrenia, translated by R.F.C. Hull.  Princeton, N.J.:  Princeton University Press, 1967.  Vol. 5 of The Collected Works of C. G. Jung; 557 pp.    BF23 .J763 1953 v.5 1967.

  An "extensive" revision of Wandlungen und Symbole der Libido (1912), including materials not included in the revised Swiss edition.  Contents: Part One:  I. Introduction;  II. Two Kinds of Thinking;  III. The Miller Fantasies:  Anamnesis;  IV. The Hymn of Creation;  V. The Song of the Moth;  Part Two:  I. Introduction;  II. The Concept of the Libido;  III. The Transformation of the Libido;  IV. The Origin of the Hero;  V. Symbols of the Mother and of Rebirth;  VI. The Battle for Deliverance from the Mother;  VII. The Dual Mother;  VIII. The Sacrifice;  IX. Epilogue.  In addition, this edition includes lists of plates and of text figures, forewords from several Swiss and German editions, as well as the author's note to the first English edition, all in the prefatory material.  The text is followed by "The Miller Fantasies" in an appendix, as well as a bibliography, and an index. 

   

•   Kahler, Erich.  "The Nature of the Symbol."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 
•   Kandinsky, Wassily.  Concerning the Spiritual in Art.  New York:  Dover Publications, 1977.  Originally published as The Art of Spiritual Harmony.  London:  Constable & Co., 1914.  Translated by M.T.H. Sadler.  57pp., 0-486-23411-8.    [PM006] N68 .K33 1977.  §: 4. 
  By the artist often viewed as the "father of abstract art," this work deals with the theory behind abstraction, including concerns about the loss of significance through abandonment of representational imagery.

    Kaster, Joseph.  Putnam's Concise Mythological Dictionary.  New York:  G.P. Putnam's Sons, a Perigee Book, 1963.  Based upon Redfield, Bessie G.  Gods, a Dictionary of the Deities of All Lands, Putnam, 1931.  180 pp.  [PJ421] BL31.K3.  §: 2.

  A straight-forward dictionary with brief entries and internal cross-references, no index.

    Keightley, Thomas.  The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves and Other Little People.  New York:  Avenel Books, 1978; previously published as The Fairy Mythology by G. Bell, London, 1878, presumably the 3rd edition, based on the author's statement in his preface.  Reproduced illustrations added to this edition.  560pp., 0-517-26313-0.  [HJ129] GR550.K4 1978.  §: 5.

  Primarily a retelling of the legends of various European countries, albeit beginning with some Persian and ending with some Jewish tales.  Includes a brief, 4-page index.  The book is arranged by region then country, starting (with the non-European exceptions already mentioned) with northern Europe and proceeding around the continent to finish in Greece.  The work does include occasional line drawings. 

    Keister, Douglas.  Stories in Stone:  A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography.  New York:  MJF Books, 2004.  288pp., 978-1-56731-776-3.    [PR204]

  This guidebook to the emblems on funereal monuments and their interpretations is well illustrated by photographs taken by the author.  After a brief introduction to cemetery architecture, the author arranges the body of the book topically by Flora, Fauna, The Human Condition, Mortality Symbols, Religious Devotion, and Secret Societies, Clubs, and Fraternal Organizations.  The latter includes an extensive list of acronyms of such organizations.  Then comes a series of tales associated with specific funeary sites and monuments plus a "gallery" of particular tombs.  The book concludes with a one-page bibliography and 9-page index. 

    Keith, A. Berriedale.  See:  The Mythology of All Races, vol. 6, Indian.

    Kelsey, Morton T.  Myth, History and Faith:  The Remythologizing of Christianity.  New York:  Paulist Press, 1974.  185 pp.; 0-8091-1827-0.    [PL064] BL304.K38.

  ANNOTE

    Killinger, John.  The Fragile Presence.  Philadelphia:  Fortress Press, 1973.  166pp., 0-8006-0165-3.  [PH094] PN771.K54.

  ANNOTE

    Kobayashi, Audrey.  "Gardens," pp. 163-4.  Buckley, Sandra., ed.  Encyclopedia of Contemporary Japanese Culture.  London:  Routledge, 2002.  634pp., 0-415-14344-6. 

  This brief article on the 3 types of Japanese gardens describes the imporance of the geographical and social/cultural symbolism of the garden for Japanese. 

    Koch, Rudolf.  The Book of Signs:  Which Contains All Manner of Symbols Used from the Earliest Times to the Middle Ages by Primitive Peoples and Early Christians.  New York:  Dover Publications, 1955; reprint of publication of the First Edition Club of London, 1930.  Translation by Vyvyan Holland.  104 pp.; 0-486-20162-7.    [PK254] AZ108.K62 1955.  §: 3,4.

  The 493 signs included in this book are arranged in 14 chapters, but without a table of contents or index.  According to the front material, the graphics were collected by Koch "and his friends" from various sources in Europe.  The English version is, nonetheless, printed in the author's magere deutsche type, similar to the old German Blackfont, which can make the reading difficult for those not familiar with Medieval letter forms.  Contents:  (Inconsistent capitalization of the text is here followed):  1. General signs. (p. 1);  2. The Cross. (p. 14);  3. The Monogram of Christ or Chrismon. (p. 22);  4. Other Christian signs. (p. 30);  5. The Monogram. (p. 35);  6. Stonemasons' signs. (p. 43);  7. The four Elements. (p. 49);  8. Astronomical signs. (p. 51);  9. Astrological Signs. (p. 60);  10. Botanical Signs. (p. 63);  11. Chemical Signs. (p. 65);  12. House- and Holdings-Marks. (p. 76);  13. Signs from various sources. (p. 93);  14. Runes. (p. 99).  Each chapter starts with a description and background of the topic.  Many of the individual signs also have brief commentary.

    Kramer, Samuel, Noah, ed.  Mythologies of the Ancient World.  Garden City, NY:  Doubleday, 1961.  480pp., 0-385-09567-8.  [PJ440] BL311.K7.   §: 5.

  This is a collection of studies in mythology, not just the tales of the relevant myths.  Contents:  "Introduction," Samuel Noah Kramer; "Mythology in Ancient Egypt," Rudolf Anthes; "Mythology of Sumer and Akkad," Samuel Noah Kramer; "Hittite Mythology," Hans G. Güterbock; "Canaanite Mythology," Cyrus H. Gordon; "Mythology of Ancient Greece," Michael H. Jameson; "Mythology of India," W. Norman Brown; "Mythology of Ancient Iran," M. J. Dresden; "Myths of Ancient China," Derk Bodde; "Japanese Mythology," E. Dale Saunders; "Mythology of Ancient Mexico," Miguel León-Portilla.  Each section concludes with a bibliography.  8 page index.

          La  Le  Li  Lo  Lu 

•   Lacy, Norris J., ed.  The Arthurian Encyclopedia.  New York:  Garland Pub, 1986.  649pp., 824087453 .  DA152.5.A7A78 1986.  Also published in paperback:  New York :  Peter Bedrick Books, 1987.  649pp., 0872261646.  DA152.5.A7A78 1987. 
•   Lacy, Norris J., ed.  The New Arthurian Encyclopedia.  New York:  Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991.  577pp., 0-8240-4377-4.  DA152.5.A7N48 1991.  
  articles, numerous graphics (all b&w, but some full-page), a categorical index of the articles, a selected bibliography, a chronology (from 410 to 1990, covering historical and literary events), a map of approximate locations, as well as an index (43 pages) covering persons, places, events, and literary/artistic works.  As indicated by the chronology, the encyclopedia attempts to cover the historical & legendary Arthur and his contemporaries as well as the literary, artistic, theatrical, and cinematic works derived therefrom.  Regretfully, too often the significance of objects and persons in the Arthurian cycle are touched on only in passing, while the historical or factual developments seem to be the focal concern. 

    Lankford, George E., ed.  Native American Legends:  Southeastern Legends:  Tales from the Natchez, Caddo, Biloxi, Chickasaw, and Other Nations.  Little Rock:  August House, 1987.  265pp., 0-87483-518-6.  [PQ115] E78.S65L36 1987.   §: 5.

  Beginning with an Introduction and 2 chapters (1. Preliminary Reflections; 2. The Native American Southeast) that reflect on the history and study of myths of American Indiansl, the book then recounts the stories of various "southeastern" tribes, arranged by two general topics with several chapters within each:  The Ways of the World (3. The Above World; 4. The Under World; 5. The Middle World; 6. The Tribes of People; 7. The Plant World) and Adventures (8.The Twins; 9. The Wonderful Garments; 10. The Bead-Spiter/Marooned Hero; 11. Other Adventures; 12. Tricksters.)  The book concludes with Notes and an 8-page bibliography.  The book does include some drawings of various characters and implements, as well as several charts comparing the distribution of types of story among the various tribes.  Both in the introductory material and in the brief Epilogue, the author discusses the various possible provenances of the stories: native, other tribes, African, or European. 

    Lawson, Bryan.  The Language of Space.  Boston:  Architectural Press, 2001.  263pp., 0-7506-5246-2.    BF469.L39 2001. 

  Written by an architect who became a psychologist, this narrative book deals with the significance of space—and place—in the human context.  Although the author is concerned specifically in the design of buildings and their environment, yet he brings this out in a broader, more applicable context.  The emphasis is on what "space" and "place" can mean psychologically and pragmatically, rather than symbolically, but there is much overlap. 

    Leach, Marjorie.  Guide to the Gods.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC-Clio, 1992.  995pp., 0-87436-591-0.  BL473.L43 1993.  §: 2. 

  Of limited use in understanding the symbolism, yet probably the greatest accumulation of names of deities, especially from an anthropological perspective, along with the deities' most basic attributes.  This book lists the gods and goddesses in 52 categories (4 and 5 have been combined) by major attribute.  Following the text, there is a glossary of terms by country.  There is a list of journals consulted as well as a substantial (42 page) bibliography.  For access by a specific deity, it is necessary to use the 73-page index, especially because many deities are included under more than one category.  Gods of major contemporary religions appear to be included only when the name/deity has also been written in anthropological literature for a localized tribe or culture. 

    Leeming, David.  A Dictionary of Asian Mythology.  Oxford:  Oxford University Press, 2001.  232pp.,0-19-512053-1.  BL1005.L46 2001. 

  Defining the geographical coverage of the dictionary as covering Asia but not the Middle East and Trukey, this dictionary presents the often interrelated mythologies of India and those regions farther east and north.  While defining his terms in the "Introduction," the author acknowledges that separating myth from religion is often not possible.  (Curiously, while the author gives one definition of myth on page 2, the first two sentences on page 3 give a much more useful, and universal, definition.)  While some older forms of transliteration have crossreferences to the preferred modern (I Ching to yijing), others do not (no reference from Shiva to Šiva.)  Includes a 2-page bibliography and 18-page index. 

    Leeming, David Adams and Drowne, Kathleen Morgan.  Encyclopedia of Allegorical Literature.  Santa Barbara:  ABC-Clio, 1996.  326pp., 0-87436-781-6.  PR56.A5L44 1996.  §: 2, 8. 

  ANNOTE

    Leeming, David Adams with Leeming, Margaret Adams.  Encyclopedia of Creation Myths.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC-Clio, 1994.  330pp., 0-87436-739-5.    BL325.C7L44 1994.  §: 2, 5.

  Organized in a dictionary format, this "encyclopedia" includes entries by culture/religion (for accounts of the creation story) and by major characters and concepts.  Beginning in the introduction with a brief but excellent description and definition of what a creation story is, the Leemings have created a useful dictionary of creation stories and their affiliated concepts (including deluge/re-creation stories.)  Within the introduction the authors define 5 types of creation story as well as 4 characters often included.  In these is demonstrated how the creation stories are "the only story," (p. viii) in that they relate to how any creative person works.  Very limited use of illustrations.  Many cross-references, both within entries and from unused names/transliterations to the appropriate entries.  Includes a 3-page bibliography, a list of illustrations credits (by page number), and a 14-page general index. 

    Legrand, Francine Claire.  Symbolism in Belgium, translated from Le Symbolisme en Belgique by Alistair Kennedy.  Brussels: Laconti, n.d.  282pp.    N6067.5.S9L413. 

  ANNOTE

    Lehner, Ernst.  American Symbols.  New York:  William Penn Publishing, 1957.  96pp.    E178.5.L4. 

  In his Introduction to this book, Roger Butterfield concludes with a simple definition of symbols:  "Essentially a symbol is a short-cut to convey information at a glance,..."  Following the Introduction are pages of symbols from the history of the United States, each page with a brief paragraph about the type of symbols displayed on the same, and occasionally, adjoining pages.  Concludes with symbols of the 48 states (at the time) and 8 territories. 

    ______________.  Symbols, Signs, & Signets.  New York:  Dover Publications, 1969; reproduction of edition published by World Publishing Co., 1950.  221 pp.; 0-486-22241-1.    [PK131] AZ108.L4 1969.

  Major Contents:   Introduction; Symbolic Gods and Deities; Astronomy and Astrology; Alchemy; Magic and Mystic; Church and Religion; Heraldry; Monsters and Imaginary Figures; Japanese Crests; Marks and Signets; Watermarks; Printer's Marks; Cattle Brands; Conclusion; Hobo Signs; Bibliography.  In a curious arrangement, at the beginning of the above listed sections, Lehner lists the illustrations in the section by illustration number, then follows the pages of illustrations.  There are also some curious categorizations, such as the "Seven Cardinal Sins" under "Monsters and Imaginary Figures" rather than "Church and Religion."  Graphics vary from simple signs to sketches of major works of art.  Bibliography includes mainly pre-twentieth century sources. 

    Leick, Gwendolyn.  A Dictionary of Ancient Near Eastern Mythology.  London:  Routledge, 1991.  226pp., 0-415-00762-3.    BL1060.L44 1991. 

  Aimed at "students of religious studies, anthropology and oriental studies..." (p. xi), this work is a selective dictionary of the deities of the Near East.  In addition to telling the story (myth) of the various gods and goddesses, the entries often relate developmental details, including published sources, listed in the bibliography.  There are also topical entries, with references to the various other entries including the topical matter.  Cross references are in bold.  Before the body of the dictionary is a chronological chart of the various cultures, divided into four regions:  Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria, and Elam.  The text of the dictionary is followed by an 8-page Glossary, mainly of places with a few topical terms and historical personages included.  Next is an alphabetical, 15-page bibliography, followed by the index.  Readers have to use the 11-page index to find correct/preferred spellings of the entries within the dictionary.  After page 200 is 26 pages of photographs and drawings of various artifacts; cylinders seals are often shown accompanied by reproductions of their impressions. 

    LeMieux, David.  The Ancient Tarot and Its Symbolism:  A Guide to the Secret Keys of the Tarot Cards.  Cranbury, NJ:  Cornwall Books, 1985.  206pp., 0-8453-4714-4.    [HM147] BF1879.T2L42 1984.   §: 5, 7.

  A peculiar attempt to make the Tarot symbolism socially acceptable, even scholarly, while promoting the accusations of Philip the Fair against the Templars and defending Aleister Crowley as "a poor, warped soul."  Major Contents:  Part I: The Basics of Tarot and Card Reading; Part II: A Preparation for the Deeper Symbolism of the Major Arcana; Part III: The Deeper Symbolism of the Major Arcana.  Includes both b&w and color graphics of the major arcana from different packs.  Has two bibliographies, a basic (for further reading) and bibliography of specialized subjects (but not arranged by subject, just main entry.)  3+ page index. 

    Lenardon, Robert J.  See:  Morford, Mark P. O., and Lenardon, Robert J.  Classical Mythology, 7th ed.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 2003. 

    Levi-Strauss, Claude.  Myth and Meaning.  New York:  Schocken Books, 1979.  The 1977 Massey Lectures.  54pp., 0-8052-0622-1.  [PJ269] GN362.L47.   §: 5.

  ANNOTE

    Lewis, Gilbert.  "Magic, Religion and the Rationality of Belief," (563-590);  In:  Ingold, Tim, ed.  Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology.  London:  Routledge, 1994.  1127pp., 0-415-02137-5.  GN25.C65 1994. 

  This essay concerns not only magic, religion, and belief in general, but the problems with cultural relativism, a longtime presumption of most recent anthropologists.  In describing belief, the author emphasizes the study of social beliefs, constrasting to an individual's belief.  The strength of an individual's belief may determine whether a symbolic action is a substitute way of accomplishing something, say, revenge, or a reducing of the intent.  Lewis discusses Robertson Smith, his influence on Emile Durkheim, Bloch's ideas on ritual, and Leach's perception that anti-rational statements did not necessarily indicate lack of knowledge as much as definitions of faith and, possibly, reinforcement of social structures.  (In plain words, statements of belief may have a symbolic significance as opposed to the denotative, factual meaning of the words.)  A section is devoted to the difference thought patterns make to interpreting the same act in different societies, followed by a section dealing with observation and interpretation and interpretation of interpretations.  Thoughts about trancendentality, nature, and the supernatural lead up to the author's core discussion of "rationality and belief."

    Lindow, John.  Handbook of Norse Mythology.  Santa Barabara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2001; "Handbooks of World Mythology" series; also published as a paperback under the title:  Norse Mythology:  A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs.  Oxford:  Oxford University Press, 2002.  365pp., hardback = 1576072177; paperback = 0-19-515382-0.  BL860.L56 2001.  §: 5. 

  Although the work includes a dictionary as part 3, this is, indeed, a handbook that serves as an introduction to Norse mythology (both as a collection of myths and as the study of Norse mythology), a dictionary of the deities and concepts, and a research guide to the sources of myths.  Contents:  1. Introduction (the history of Nordic poetry);  2. Time (the mythical concepts);  3. Deities, Themes, and Concepts (a dictionary);  4. Print and Nonprint Resources (a detailed bibliographic guide to research).  The volume is finished with a 25-page index.  There are scattered photographs throughout the book.  All entries in the dictionary-form section 3 are listed in the "Contents."

    Liungman, Carl G.  Dictionary of Symbols.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC-Clio, 1991.  English translation of Symboler--västerländska ideogram.  Malmo:  Merkur International KB, 1974.  [HO160] BL603 .L5413 1991.  §: 2, 6.

  A narrative dictionary of non-iconic signs in an organized structure, with several essays and a brief, categorized, annotated bibliography at the beginning before the "Ideographic Dictionary."  Includes a Word Index, a Graphic Index, Definitions, and a Search Table.  The Graphic Index is very useful when you remember a basic form but wish to study it in more detail, for this index guides the user to the appropriate category.  (Liungman categorizes signs into 54 groups based on design factors.)  This dictionary uses a reduced meaning of symbol:  "Any object can be called a symbol as long as a group of people agrees that it means more than just itself." (Dictionary, 5)  In his introduction, Liungman defines how he uses several terms in addition to "symbol":  graph, sign, ideogram/ideograph, and icon/iconic sign.  He also includes essays on the historical development of signs, relationship of visual, form, and thought, writing, and several specialized collections or systems, including astrology, alchemy, hobos, and "The ideographic struggle in Europe during the 1930s."  The latter is not only a fascinating look at the way Nazi symbols were intentionally developed, but also how some of their opponents used their own symbolism to oppose the fascists.

    Longman, Tremper, III.  See:  Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.  Leland Ryken, James C. Wilhoit, and Tremper Longman III, general editors.  Downers Grove, IL:  IVP Academic, 1998.  1058pp, 978-0-8308-1451-0.  [HR197] BS537.D48 1998. 

    Lucie-Smith, Edward.  Symbolist Art.  London:  Thames and Hudson, 1972.  216 pp.;0-500-20125-0.    [PO047]

  A history and critical examination of the Symbolist movement in art.  Contents:  Symbolic Art; Romanticism and Symbolism; Symbolist Currents in England; The Symbolist Movement in France; Gustave Moreau; Redon and Bresdin; Puvis de Chavannes and Carriére; Gauguin, Pont-Aven, and the Nabis; The Rose + Crois; The English 1890s; The Symbolist International; Robs and Ensor; Edvard Munch; Klimt and the Vienna Secession; The Young Picasso.  Includes 185 plates, mostly b&w.  1 page bibliography in small type.  Extensive credits.  2-page index of persons and movements. 

    Lundquist, John M.  The Temple:  Meeting Place of Heaven and Earth.  London:  Thames & Hudson, 1993.  96pp.    BL586.L864 1993. 

  A large format, heavily illustrated (photographs) book about temples, from shrine to temple complex to mountain.  "The temple incorporates within itself most of the ideas that make up our concept of religion. . . .  It was within the setting of the temple that these other symbols, rituals and sacred textual traditions arose, and it is within the temple that they still have their deepest and truest meaning."  (p. 5)  Thus, this book is about both the place of worship and the practices and symbols found therein. 

    Lurker, Manfred.  The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Egypt:  An Illustrated Dictionary.  New York:  Thames & Hudson, 1980.  Translated by Barbara Cummings from Götter und Symbole der Altern Ägypter.  142pp.,0500110182.    BL2421.L8713 1980.

  This is a small dictionary with concise definitions of the gods and other symbols of ancient Egypt.  The prefatory material provides an introduction to Egyptian symbolism and the culture/religion of Egypt, including its influence throughout history.  A map of the Nile valley is the final item before the text of the dictionary.  The dicitonary itself uses 2 columns per page, although on most pages, the outer column is used for illustrations (photographs and line drawings) with captions.  The entries on headdresses and Nome symbols are accompanied by a page of illustrations, augmenting the entry very well.  Following the dictionary proper are a political and cultural chronology of Egypt, a "Select Bibliography" (2 pages), and a 3-page index. 

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