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

          Mac/Mc  Ma  Me  Mi  Mo  Mu  My 

•   MacCulloch, John Arnott.  See:  The Mythology of All Races, vol. 2, Eddic, and vol. 3, Celtic.
•   MacKenzie, Donald A.  The Migration of Symbols and their Relations to Beliefs and Customs.  New York:  AMS Press, 1970; reprint of 1926 edition.  219pp., 0-404-04136-1.    BL603.M3 1970.  §: 5.
  This early twentieth century, wide-ranging study of several basic symbols indicates both by the title and within the Foreword the author's perspective on the "diffusion" theory of culture and religion.  Although not mentioning C. G. Jung by name, he does refer to the "psychological" and "independent origin" theories and points out their limited factual support at the date of original publication (1926) of this book.  MacKenzie also denigrates those who see primitive symbols as "art for art's sake," claiming all such symbols that we know of resulted from a "magico-religious" origin, although they have developed since their origin (or introduction) differently in different cultures.  Contents:  I. The Swastika (which includes the cross and cardinal points);  II. The Sprial (which includes whirlpools, whirlwinds, birth, and sacred circuits);  III. Ear Symbols;  IV. Tree Symbols (including the Tree of Life.)  Heavily footnoted, albeit with basic citations (never a publisher), this publication is without bibliography.  Concludes with a 36-page, detailed index.  Illustrations are mainly line drawings but include a few b&w photoreproductions.  The illustrations are often grouped such as to display a geocultural variety of similar signs and are near the text discussing them. 

    MacKenzie, Michael; Prime, Richard; George, Lisa; Dunning, Ray.  Mythologies of the World;  The Illustrated Guide to Mythological Beliefs & Customs.  New York:  Checkmark Books, 2001.  160pp., 0-8160-4480-5.    BL311.M945 2001.  §: 5. 

  A heavily illustrated guide to mythologies in the various regions around the world.  Beginning with an Introduction that describes the current view of mythology and its contents, most of the book is then arranged by regions.  Contents:  Mesopotamia; Ancient Egypt; Greece; Rome; Northern Europe; Central and Eastern Europe; Africa; India; China and East Asia; North America; Central and South America; Oceania.  The volume is concluded with a brief essay on "Mythology in the Future," a 1-page bibliography (categorized by chapter), a "Glossary of Mythological Terms," and a 3-page index. 

    MacKillop, James.  Dictionary of Celtic Mythology.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1998.  402pp., 0-19-869157-2.  BL900.M445 1998. 

  In his Introduction, MacKillop gives a brief synopsis of the history of the development of Celtic literary language.  Further, he defines myth in broad terms, including the comment that "an episode or story can become a myth even when there is no ambiguity about whether the root narrative actually took place" (p. xviii), although he limits the dictionary's coverage to "ancient" myths.  He chooses as his guide to spelling the accepted scholarly spellings except where English forms are well known and commonly accepted.  (There are also many "see" references from Anglicaztions to accepted spellings within the body of the dictionary.)  Between the Introduction and the body is a section on generalized pronunciation, broken into the 6 different historical languages.  There is also a "How to use this book" section including a few specialized terms with their definitions.  Following the dictionary entries are a 13-page categorized Select Bibliography and a 6-page Subject Index. 

    Mack, Carol K. and Mack, Dinah.  A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits.  New York:  Arcade Publishing, 1998.  282pp., 1-55970-447-1.    BF1531.M26 1998.   §: 5.

  ANNOTE

    Maier, Bernhard.  Dictionary of Celtic Religion and Culture.  Rochester, NY:  Boydell Press, 1997.  Translated by Cyril Edwards from Lexikon der keltischen Religion und Kultur, Stuttgart:  Alfred Kröner Verlag, 1994.  339pp., 0-85115-698-3.  BL900.M4513 1997. 

  This work is broader in its coverage than other dictionaries of Celtic mythology, both in time (through the early Middle Ages) and place (all Europe), not to mention adding the cultural aspects.  The dictionary includes not only the source materials for each topic, but lists literature and other arts influenced by the entry.  Further, the translator has added English language materials to both the dictionary entries and to the bibliographies, making this work more than just a translation.  After the dictionary entries there follows an appendix of major museum collections of Celtic artifacts, followed by the "Select Bibliography," which consists of 6 sections:  1. Bibliographies;  2. Works of reference;  3. Editions and translations;  4. Archaelology, history of religion and culture until late antiquity;  5. Linguistic, literary and cultural history from the early Middle Ages to the beginning fo the modern period;  and, 6. Survival and reception, history of scholarship, Celtic ideology.  The greatest weakness of this work is the use of long arrows (&mdash>) to indicate references.  It makes for difficult reading within entries, especially the longer, more general entries.  Using bolding or small caps would have made for easier use.  Of the dictionaries of Celtic myth, this appears the most skeptical, as shown in its entry on Ossian, which it labels a fictitious author, whereas other dicitonaries describe the works of Ossian as part original and part the creation of Macpherson (MacKillop) or as the possible translation of documents modified by folklore by Macpherson (Ellis, Dictionary of Celtic Mythology).  (Ellis does describe the other views, as well.) 

    March, Jenny.  Cassell Dictionary of Classical Mythology.  London:  Cassell, 1998.  416pp., 0-304-34626-8.    BL715.M37 1998. 

  This is a straight-forward dictionary of persons and some places.  The articles not only recount the applicable myths related to the entries, but also mention major classical authors and more modern art works which include the person.  Cross-references within entries are in small caps.  At the end of each article is listed the classical sources in brackets.  After the dictionary are 5 appendices: 2 maps (Mediterranean & Black Seas; Greece & Aegean Sea), several genealogical tables, a small, biographical dictionary of Greek and Latin authors, a 1-page select bibliography, and a list of illustrations and their sources. 

    May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960.  253pp.  BL600.M35. 

  This is a collection of 9 essays, some of which were previously published in Daedalus, with an introduction by the editor.  Contents:  Introduction:  "The Significance of Symbols," Rollo May;  1.  "The Nature of the Symbol," Erich Kahler;  2.  "The Religious Symbol," Paul Tillich;  3.  "The Cross:  Scoial Trauma or Redemption," Amos N. Wilder;  4.  "On the First Three Chapters of Genesis," Kenneth Burke;  5.  "The Pattern of Religious Organization in the United States," Talcott Parsons;  6.  "The Broken Center:  A Definition of the Crisis of Values in Modern Literature," Nathan A. Scott, Jr.;  7.  "The Sense of Poetry:  Shakespeare's 'The Phonenix and the Turtle," I. A. Richards;  8.  "The Representation of Nature in Contemporary Physics," Werner Heisenberg;  9.  "Uses of Symbolism," A. N. Whitehead.  The nine essays are followed by "Notes on Contributors," brief vitas of the authors of the nine essays.  Bibliographically analyzed. 

    Medley, Margaret.  "Design and Symbol," pp. 382-399.  The Cambridge Encyclopedia of China, 2nd ed.  Cambridge:  Cambridge University Press, 1991.  502pp., 0-521-35594-X.  DS705.C35 1991.

  In reality, this is a section of 15 signed articles, but all by the same author, within the chapter, "Art and Architecture.".  While all 15 have relevant information about how different art forms (bronze vessels, bronze bells, stone-chimes, ritual jade, jade insignia, ceramics, etc.) were used symbolically, the articles, "Symbolism in art" and "Pictorial references and emblems in Chinese art" provide both a general analysis of symbolism in art and its development, but also several categories of symbols, along with some illustrations.  Most of the articles are accompanied by either photographs or line art.  No bibliography directly associated with these articles, although there is one listed at the end of the volume divided by the chapters.

    Mercatante, Anthony S.  The Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend.  New York:  Facts On File, 1988.  807pp., 0-8160-1049-8.    BL303.M45 1988.  §: 2.

  A large compendium of of information on myths, legends, folktales, and fables, with concise definitions of these four terms given in the Introduction.  The entries are arranged by the best known English spelling, with an index to variant spellings near the end of the volume.  Translation (meaning) of the entry name is often given in parentheses, followed by the known story or history of the person, place, or thing.  The more substantial articles include references to art, music, and literature related to the entry.  Variant spellings conclude appropriate entries.  Many black & white illustrations are included within the text, some of full page size.  A total lack of cross-references is a major weakness of this publication.  Following the encyclopedia entries, there is an annotated bibliography arranged in topical categories, geographic, and other categories, but not alphabetically.  In addition to the aforementioned "Key to Variant Spellings," there is a "Cultural and Ethnic Index" and a 67-page "General Index."  All index entries are keyed to the entry number, not the page number, thus making sure the reader can find the appropriate entry of the many to be found on each page. 

    __________________.  Who's Who in Egyptian Mythology.  New York:  Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., 1978.  231pp., 0-517-53445-2.    BL2428.M47 1978.  §: 5. 

  Illustrated with line drawings by the author, this is a combination dictionary & story book.  Before the "Introduction" and the dictionary proper, there is a list of Egyptian dynasties and their dates.  Within the dictionary, alternate spellings of Egyptian names/words are included with references to the author's preferred spelling.  In addition to the usual definitions in the dictionary, the author has included a number of stories from the Egyptian.    The work concludes with a 13-page, annotated bibliography of sources and suggested readings.

    Merritt, Richard L.  Symbols of American Community, 1735-1775.  New Haven, CT:  Yale University Press, 1966.  279pp., 0-300-0769-8.  E195.M4. 

  An expansion of the author's doctoral dissertation, this is an analysis of the use of verbal symbols in newspapers in the American colonies during the period from 1735 to 1775, in an attempt to provide a new explanation of the success of the American Revolution, when earlier attempts to separate from Britain had received little popular support.  Although much of the book deals with statistical analysis of newspapers' use of British versus American symbols (with concommitant tables and charts), one chapter, "Symbols of American Community:  An Overview," and much of the material in the appendices, especially "The Symbol List," pp. 209-214, deal with the symbols themselves.  The early part of the book justifies the use of symbol analysis in political studies; the first appendix is a "design for symbol analysis research.".  Concludes with a 9-page index. 

    Metford, J. C. J.  Dictionary of Christian Lore and Legend.  London:  Thames and Hudson, 1983.  272pp.    BR95.M396.  §: 2, 6. 

  Acknowledging that the collection is somewhat selective, especially in relation to dealing with the saints, J. C. J. Metford presents a collection of items, literary, artistic, and musical, with their significances in the Christian traditions.  The book is heavily illustrated with illustative reproductions filling the righ-hand columns on the right-hand pages, with ocassional, minor illustrations elsewhere.  (See "Chi-Rho.")  Only the sources of the illustrations are given; the work has no bibliography, much less indications of the author's sources for each entry.  For some terms, there is detailed attention given to its significance.  For others, however, there is insufficient information to understand even why it was included, given the author's stated intent of the book being for the "non-specialist."  Cross-references are by preceding entry words with asterisks.  For some briefer entries, i.e., "Upper Room," this means reading several referenced entries in order to gain an understanding of its significance, if such dissociated meanings can produce much understanding for the "non-specialist." 

    Miller, Daniel.  "Artefacts and the Meaning of Things," (396-419);  In:  Ingold, Tim, ed.  Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology.  London:  Routledge, 1994.  1127pp., 0-415-02137-5.  GN25.C65 1994. 

  In this chapter, the author deals with the "nature" of things and the human dualistic view of person versus thing.  Three aspects of temporality that give things meaning are longevity (heritage), temporal identity (things that represent who we are), and transcience (independence, separateness.)  His final conclusion falls in the last statement:  "To go beyond a dualistic approach means recognizing that the continual process by which meaning is given to things is the same process by which meaning is given to lives." (p. 417.)  Some attention is given to the development of things as symbols as they develop meaning and, therefore, significance. 

    Miller, Gustavus Hindman.  10,000 Dreams Interpreted.  Shaftesbury, Dorset:  Element Books, 1996.  304pp., 1-85230-894-X.    BF1091.M6 1996.  NOTE:  There are several, varying editions of this work, some without graphics; also, some have a dictionary (alphabetical) arrangement of the whole. 

  The Preface indicates that this is a reprint, although neither it nor the front matter indicate of what or when.  Unfortunately, whoever wrote the preface (unsigned and uncredited) notes a seminar in 1928 as the start of Jung's interpretation of dreams, giving Miller (without a stated date) the primacy.  The fact that both Freud and Jung had been interpreting and training analysts in dream interpretations for decades is ignored.  Instead, Miller is given credit with an "alternative" method of dream interpretation based on "instinct."  Images and their interpretations in this book are arranged into 40 categories, each of which are subdivided into further categories, and then the individual images are listed and interpreted.  The 21-page "Dream Directory" is the essential index to the individual images.  Most of the graphics appear to have been created for this edition.

    Miller, Mary, and Taube, Karl.  The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya:  An Illustrated Dictionary of Mesoamerican Religion.  London:  Thames and Hudson, 1993.  216pp.    F1435.3.R3M55 1993.  §: 5. 

  This heavily illustrated book begins with a cultural and religious survey of the Mesoamercan region, which includes a timeline chart and a map of the region with major sites, regions, and modern countries indicated.  Next is a 2-page "Subject Index," wherein 7 broad subject headings are used to arrange lists of related entries.  Unfortunately, there is no true index, possibly because the entries are arranged in dictionary form, but an index of native terms used within entries, but without entries themselves, would be a useful addition.  The book concludes with a bibliographic essay on sources and an 8-page bibliography. 

    Morford, Mark P. O., and Lenardon, Robert J.  Classical Mythology, 7th ed.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 2003.  808pp., 0-19-515344-8.    BL723.M67 2003.  Affiliated website:  http://www.classicalmythology.org.  §: 5. 

  This textbook on classical myths tells their stories, accompanied by maps and many illustrations.  Contents:  Part One:  The Myths of Creation: The Gods;  Part Two:  The Greek Sagas: Greek Local Legends;  Part Three:  The Nature of Roman Mythology;  Part Four:  The Survival of Classical Mythology.  Includes a "Select Bibliography," a glossary, and indexes. 

    Müller, W. Max.  See:  The Mythology of All Races, vol. 12, Egyptian.

    Munz, Peter.  When the Golden Bough Breaks:  Structuralism or Typology?  London:  Routledge & Keegan Paul, 1973.  143pp., 0-7100-7650-9.  BL311.M83.  §: 5.

  In a criticism of Levi-Strauss' structualism, Prof. Munz describes structuralism as "deficient" and limited, not wrong.  His definitions/distinctions of sign and symbol (pp. xi-xii) in the Preface approaches their meanings and importance from a unique and pragmatic perspective.  He uses the Introduction to survey the problems of the approaches to understanding myth by Frazer, Malinowski/Radcliffe-Brown, Bultmann, and C.G. Jung.  Concludes with 8-page, categorized bibliography and a 5-page index. 

    Murphy, Patrick D., ed.  Literature of Nature:  An International Sourcebook.  Chicago:  Fitzroy Dearborn, 1998.  490pp., 1-57958-010-6.  PN48.L58 1998.  §: 8.

  Although not quite an encyclopedia, yet Murphy's scholarly handbook provides essays concerning the approaches to nature in the literature of many nations and cultures.  This book is arranged by geographic regions then countries.  While many of the essays view nature from a more scientific, or descriptive, perspective than symbolic, others specifically deal with nature's symbolism within a culture's literature and a few deal with specific images or aspects of nature, as used by the culture's writers.  The book is concluded with "Notes on Contributors," as well as title and general indexes. 

    Murray, Robert.  Symbols of Church and Kingdom:  A Study in Early Syriac Tradition.  Cambridge:  Cambridge University Press, 1975.  394pp, 0-521-20553-0.  UGEN BV598.M87.  §: 6. 

  In the lengthy Introduction, Robert Murray provides the historical and documentary background of the era and culture in which the materials he examines originate.  He also discusses the main writers of the period, especially Ephrem and Aphrahat.  The seven chapters in Part I of the book then discuss various terms used as symbols of the Church, as seen by the early Syriac Christians.  In Part II, the author seeks to find what may have influenced the use of these symbols, thus revealing more of their meaning.  The Appendix includes several tables showing uses of Bible passages, titles of Christ, etc. by the main writers of the era.  Then follows a 13-page bibliography and 8 different indexes. 

    The Mythology of All Races.  Gray, Louis Herbert, and MacCulloch, John Arnott, eds.; Moore, George Foot, consulting ed.  New York:  Cooper Square Publishers, 1964.  13 vols.  BL25.M8 1964. 

  A set, originally produced between 1916 and 1932 by the Marshall Jones Company, recounting the mythologies of most cultures.  Although the editors did not attempt to impose a single theory on the writers, given the time and place, mythology is generally presumed to be "proto-science," a rational explanation for why things were the way they were.  Some cultures received more detailed attention than others.  Contents, by volume: 

    1.    Greek and Roman.  Fox, William Sherwood.  1916, 1964. 

    2.    Eddic.  MacCulloch, John Arnott.  1930, 1964. 

    3.    Celtic.  MacCullloch, John Arnott.  Slavic.  Máchal, Jan.  1918, 1964. 

    4.    Finno-Ugric, Siberian.  Holmberg, Uno.  1964. 

    5.    Semitic.  Langdon, Stephen Herbert.  1931-1964. 

    6.    Indian.  Keith, A. Berriedale.  Iranian.  Carnoy, Albert J.  1917, 1964. 

    7.    Armenian.  Ananikian, Mardiros.  African.  Werner, Alice.  1925, 1964. 

    8.    Chinese.  Ferguson, John C.  Japanese.  Aneseki, Masaharu.  1928, 1964. 

    9.    Oceanic.  Dixon, Roland B.  1916, 1964. 

    10.  North American.  Alexander, Hartley Burr.  1916, 1964. 

    11.  Latin-American.  Alexander, Hartley Burr.  1920, 1964. 

    12.  Egyptian.  Müller, W. Max.  Indo-Chinese.  Scott, James George.  1918, 1964. 

    13.  Complete Index.  1932, 1964. 

•   Neville, Robert Cummings.  The Truth of Broken Symbols.  Albany:  State University of New York Press, 1996.  BL600 .N48 1996.
  An analysis of religious symbolism, especially in a Christian context, and how symbols can be "broken" yet provide usefulness. Contents:  What religious symbols do; Symbols break on the infinte; Finite meaning infinite; Taking symbols in context; Symbols for transformation; Judging religious symbols by consequences; Truth in religious symbols.

•   Olderr, Steven, comp.  Symbolism:  A Comprehensive Dictionary.  Jefferson, NC:  McFarland, 1986.  153 pp.; 0-89950-187-7 (hdbk); 0-7864-2127-4 (pbk).  CB475.O38 1986.  §: 2,4.
  From the Foreword, the author acknowledges his intent that this dictionary be used by those interpreting literature and the arts.  It is a strict, alphabetical dictionary--look up a word and it will be there with a definition or cross-reference to the preferred term.  Or, in fact, most terms will have several definitions: "...symbols commonly have contradictory meanings, and it is only the context in which a symbol is used that will tell you which definition is appropriate for your uses." (p. v.)  The Foreword also presents definitions of 5 critical terms the compiler uses in his definitions:  Allusion, Association, Attribute, Emblem, Symbol, each with examples to clarify the definition.  The subtitle of "a comprehensive dictionary" may be an exaggeration--on checking in response to a researcher's need, neither "ether," "philosopher's stone," nor "elements" are included as entry or cross-reference.  As indicated by the absence of a graphic indicator in the entry, there are no graphics.  However, its coverage of more than 6,000 entries makes it a valuable source when seeking the meaning of a symbol, especially within the symbol's context.  Look up "stone" and find a general paragraph about the meaning of stone, in general, which is then followed by 21 contextual definitions.  For instance, "black stone," which is defined as "sin; defeat; restraint" (p. 130) then gives a further context of "Greece" and what it signified in that particular culture.

    ____________, comp.  Reverse Symbolism Dicitonary:  Symbols Listed by Subject.  Jefferson, NC:  McFarland, 1992.  181 pp.; 0-89950-561-9 (hdbk), 0-7864-2125-8 (pbk, 2005).  [HO159] CB475 .O37 1992.  §: 2,4.

  This very basic work seems, nonetheless, to be unique in that it allows a person to look up in dictionary format an idea and find listed symbols, allusions, etc. related to the idea.  Many entries include cross-references.  The Foreword includes a brief list of defined terms as well as a very brief list of the best books for finding background information on the symbols.

    Olson, Alan M., ed.  Myth, Symbol, and Reality.  Nortre Dame:  University of Notre Dame Pr., 1980.  189pp., 0-268-01346-2.  [HN079] BL304.M87.  §: 2,5.

  A collection of 10 essays discussing the relations of symbolism and reality.  Contents:  1. Myth as an "Ambush of Reality," Herbert Mason; 2. Myth and History, Elie Wiesel; 3. Reality, Myth, Symbol, Bernard J. F. Lonergan, S.J.; 4. Symbolic Aspect of Myth, Jacques Waardenburg; 5. Relational Ontology and Hermeneutics, Harold H. Oliver; 6. Religious and Poetical Speaking, Hans-Georg Gadamer; 7. Myth, Symbol, and Metaphorical Truth, Alan. M. Olson; 8. The Spoken Word and the Work of Interpretation in American Indian Religion, Dennis Tedlock; 9. Myth and Miracle:  Isis, Wisdom, and the Logos of John, Howard Clark Kee; 10. The Myths of Plato, J. N. Findlay.  Also includes author and subject indices. 

    Opie, Iona, & Tatem, Moira, eds.  A Dictionary of Superstitions.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1989.  494pp., 0-19-211597-9.  BF1775.D53 1989.  §: 2, 7.

  This dictionary gives quotations from sources, mainly from Britain and Ireland, rather than definitions, per se.  As a result, it is quite entertaining but also provides some documentation of the development for many of the superstitions in those islands, as well as derivative cultures.  As a result, it thereby provides documentation of the origins (in some cases) of the superstition and its meaning, thus also furnishing hints to the origin of the symbolism in the acts and objects involved.  Although many of the entries do include cross-references at the end of the entry, the editors urge the use of their "Analytical Index" to discover common motifs as well as all related superstitions.  This index is also a good place to start when examining symbols included in the superstitions.  A selective bibliography is included between the main dictionary and the index. 

    Orchard, Andy.  Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend.  London:  Cassell, 2002; original edition published in UK in 1997.  494pp., 0-304-36385-5.  BL860.O73 2002. 

  Following a Preface and an Introduction dealing with the difficulties of studying Norse mythology, the author then provides a strict dictionary of Norse myths, gods, heroes, and concepts.  Each entry term is followed by an English translation of the term in parentheses (when appropriate), a definition or story, and ends with codes referring to sources in the bibliography.  Within each entry, cross-references are by means of small caps.  Following the text of the dictionary are several appendices dealing with various categories of names, a bibliography (divided into "Reference Books and General Surveys," "Primary Sources," "Translations of Primary Sources," and "Secondary Works,") and a concluding "Index of Passages and Authors Cited in the Text." 

    Over, Raymond van, ed.  Sun Songs:  Creation Myths from Around the World.  New York:  Mentor Book, NAL, 1980.  402pp., 0-451-61810-6  [PJ321] BL325.C7 S94.  §: 5.

  Basing his concept of "myth" on Levi-Strauss' ideas, that myths are stories created to explain the unknown, Raymond Van Over has collected creation stories from around the world, then ordered them by eleven regions, each with its own introduction: North America, South America, Norther Europe and Central Asia, Mesopotamia, Greece, Africa, Judeo-Christian, Egypt, Near East, Far East, and Oceania and South Sea Island Peoples.  Includes an 8 page "selected bibliography."

•   Packer, Sharon.  Dreams in Myth, Medicine, and Movies.  Westport, CT:  Praeger, 2002.  235pp., 0-275-97243-7.  BF1078.P28 2002.  §: 4.
  ANNOTE

    Parsons, Talcott.  "The Pattern of Religious Organization in the United States."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    Pedersen, Christian Fogd; Bedells, John, Lt.-Cmdr, R.N., ed. of English language edition.  The International Flag Book in Color.  New York:  William Morrow & Co., 1971; Danish ed. Copenhage:  Politikens Forlag, 1970.  237pp.    CR109.P413 1971. 

  This volume begins with color plates of national flags & seals, including such things as military or government departmental flags and ensigns.  For a few countries, flags of major geo-political regions are also included.  The second part of the book is a verbal description and interpretation of each flag and its symbols.  Concluding the English edition is a section on the proper display of the U.S. flag, a glossary of terms, and a 3-page index. 

    Pinch, Geraldine.  Handbook of Egyptian Mythology.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2002; "Handbooks of World Mythology" series.  257pp., 1-57607-242-8.    BL2441.3.P56 2002.  §: 5. 

  Beginning with a basic dynastic chronology and maps of Egypt and the Middle East, then following the form of the other titles in ABC Clio's "Handbooks of World Mythology" series, this book includes an Introduction to the main concepts and historical developments of Egyptian mythology, then has chapters to cover the main story line, a dictionary of deities and concepts, and a complex bibliography of print, audio-visual, and online resources (14 pages.)   The concluding matter includes a glossary, an appended bibliography/abbreviation list of main sources, and a 17-page index.  The volume concludes with a brief background of the author.  The dictionary entries often conclude with cross-references, source bibliography/further reading, andr primary sources reference. 

    Pollio, Howard R.  The Psychology of Symbolic Activity.  Reading, MA:  Addison Wesley, 1974.  504pp.  BF458.P64. 

  This book forms an examination of associative thinking, information processing (including computers), and language from a psycholinguist perspective.  In the first chapter, the author uses Ludwig Von Bertalanffy's three-part definition of symbol (which is more in accord with this website's definition of sign, q.v.) to delineate his idea of "symbolic activity." 

    Powell, James N.  The Tao of Symbols.  New York:  William Morrow & Co., 1982.  256 pp.    P99.P64 1982

  Begun with a Prelude by Anne Dillard, this book attempts to find a unity among symbols, examining Eastern and Western symbols and myths.

    Puttock, A. G.  A Dictionary of Heraldry and Related Subjects.  London:  John Gifford, 1970.  256pp.    CR13.P8. 

  Done more completely in dictionary form than Elvin's, Col. Puttock's dictionary is divided into 4 sections and a brief appedix, the bibliography.  Contents:  Part One:  Heraldry; Part Two:  Genealogy; Part Three:  Armour and Arms; Part Four:  Historical and Miscellaneous.  The book is heavily illustrated, including a few color plates.  The Genealogy section includes addresses for birth, death, & marriage certificates from most of the English-speaking world, including a breakdown by state for the U.S.A.  The Miscellaneous fourth part covers major battles, individuals, etc.  As too often with heraldry, the devices are described, but the significances are ignored. 

•   Ramsey, Ian, ed.  Words About God:  The Philosophy of Religion.  New York:  Harper & Row, 1971.  245pp.  [PH174] BL65.L2 R34 1971.
  Taking excerpts from writings about God from Clement of Alexandria and Plotinus up to the 1950's, Ramsey presents the difficulties of talking about God, the Creator, Lord of All, or whatever term or name we assign the center of our worship.  Other writers include Moses Maimonides, Thomas Aquinas, George Berkeley, H. L. Mansel, H. Lotze & F. H. Bradley, Rudolf Otto, Bertrand Russell, G. E. Moore, Ludwig Wittgenstein, A. J. Ayer, F. Waismann, Gilbert Ryle, P. F. Strawson, J. L. Austin, R. M. Hare, C. K. Ogden & I. A. Richards, Max Black, R. W. Hepburn, Ian T. Ramsey, Donald D. Eveans, and E. E. Evans-Prichard.  The book is concluded by a 14-term topical index.

    Redfield, Bessie G.  Gods, a Dictionary of the Deities of All Lands, Putnam, 1931.  180 pp.  See:  Kaster, Joseph.  Putnam's Concise Mythological Dictionary. 

    Rees, Elizabeth.  Chistian Symbols, Ancient Roots.  London:  Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1992; paperback, 1997.  165pp., 1-85302-179-2.    [PR007] BV150.R--- 1992.  §: 6. 

  Roman Catholic nun Elizabeth Rees has written this book explaining Christian symbols in their meaninful, developmental contexts.  In the initial chapter, "Introduction:  The Ancient Roots of Christian Symbols," she explains the general development of symbols from pre-Christian usage into everyday symbols and/or myths of Christians and the Church. In doing this, she includes defining "symbol" and "myth," as well as related terms, reflecting 20th century deveopments in the process.  The remaining 9 chapters deal with symbols by specific themes:  2. Corn, the Bread of Life;  3. Water and Blood; The Ark of Safety;    4. The Snake in Paradise Lost and Regained;  5. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Cross;  6. Sun and Moon; Fire and Light;  7. Symbols of Jesus and Mary in Art;  8. Priest and Shaman:  Holy Leaders;  9. Chant and Incantation:  Sacred Songs;  10. The Dance of Heaven and Earth.  The concluding material includes an appendix with suggestions for teachers on how to get students to play with the symbols of each chapter, a 4-page bibliography, and an 8-page index.  This volume presents a more informed approach to understanding symbololgy within the Church than do most books. 

    Richards, I. A.  "The Sense of Poetry:  Shakespeare's 'The Phoenix and the Turtle.'"  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    Roberts, Allen F.  "Symbolism:  Color Terms," p. 200-203.  Encyclopedia of Africa South of the Sahara, IV.  New York:  Charles Scribner's Sons, 1997.  4 vols., 0-684-80466-2.  DT351.E53 1997.  §: 4;5. 

  The last of three articles under "Symbolism," this article looks at one of the most outstanding aspects of African culture, color.  Much of the discussion deals with the perceived values of the three primary colors, White, Black, and Red.  Concludes with a 9-item bibliography.

    ______________.  "Symbolism:  Overview," p. 192-197.  Encyclopedia of Africa South of the Sahara, IV.  New York:  Charles Scribner's Sons, 1997.  4 vols., 0-684-80466-2.  DT351.E53 1997.  §: 4. 

  This first of three articles under "Symbolism" describes the anthropologists' theories about linguistic symbols (in general) with some specific African applications and some contributions by Africanists.  Concludes with a 12-item bibliography and cross-references to other articles in the encyclopedia. 

    Robins, Gay.  "Color Symbolism," p. 291-294.  The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, I.  Oxford:  Oxford University Press, 2001.  3 vols., 0-19-510234-7.  DT58.O94 2001.  §: 4;5. 

  This article on the colors used in Egyptian art discusses both the terminology (black, white, red, and green) and the actual colors used.  Most of the article concentrates on the variety of meanings and the context for their interpretations, as well as a history of the development, especially of blues, both turquoise and lapis lazuli.  Concludes with a pair of cross-references and an 11-item bibliography. 

    Robinson, L. J.  A Dictionary of Graphical Symbols.  London:  F. C. Avis, 1972.  360pp.    AZ108.R6.  §: 2.

  Published without an introduction or explanation, this is a simple dictionary of graphics, from the printer's/typographer's viewpoint.  Each alphabetical entry has a graphic, a definition, or both.  The first entry under each letter is the letter itself, with examples given in upper and lower case in four different fonts.  At the end of the volume is a "Graphical Guide," to help those looking for a graphic for which they do not know the name. 

    Room, Adrian.  Who's Who in Classical Mythology.  Lincolnwood, IL:  NTC Publishing Group, 1997; originally published as NTC's Classical Dictionary in 1990.  343pp., 0-8442-5469-X.  BL715.R66 1997.  §: 5. 

  More an interesting dictionary of names than a "who's who," this volume gives the etymologies of the names found in classical myths, fanciful, historic, and modern interpretations inclusive.  Thus, it can provide the symbolism of the names (and characters?) of the mythological persons, although the author warns that not all name meanings are applicable to the individuals bearing them.  The lengthy Introduction provides both an excellent explanation of the field as well as defining what the book is about.  Prior to the dictionary, Room has 4 pages of definitions for "technical terms," including for each of the 5 Greek dialects.   Within each article, the definitions from history through current scholarship are given for the entry, often with crossreferences to names related by meaning or myth.  After the dictionary are 7 appendices, four of which include the "by-names" or 4 deities:  Aphrodite/Venus; Apollo; Athena/Minerva; and Zeus/Jupiter.  The other 3 appendices are "Common Elements in Greek Mythological Names," "The Hounds of Actaeon" (defining the individual names of 40 out of 50 hounds,) and "Corresponding Names of Characters" (giving the Greek and Roman equilavents.)  The volume concludes with a 3-page bibliography.  The author states plainly that the dictionary is intended for the non-expert as well as the expert, although the classicists may be exasperated by his inclusion of meanings long dismissed by scholars.  Includes reproduction of some historic artwork, mainly vase paintings. 

    Ryken, Leland.  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. 

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