100 Symbols That Changed the World

They have been used as a form of communication since the Bronze Age, and have evolved to represent an illustrated shorthand. Symbols are also used to impart quick, recognizable safety advice, and to convey a large amount of information in a short space. They are an essential part of the architecture of mathematics and have allowed the organizers of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to create event signage that wouldn't be lost in translation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The fascinating journey of 100 Symbols That Changed The World delves into the origins and widespread adoption of the world's most iconic symbols. These universal symbols have served as a means of communication since ancient times, with civilizations like ancient Egypt and pre-Columbian America employing pictures as narrative texts. As written languages gained prominence, symbols evolved to represent concise and illustrative representations. For instance, the dollar sign in America originated from colonists' trade with the Spanish and the widespread acceptance of Spanish currency in transactions. Merchants and clerks would abbreviate "pesos" in their accounts ledgers, resulting in the use of a single letter 's with the vertical stroke of the 'p, which was faster to write. Historically, accurate dollar signs feature a single stroke through the 'S. Symbols also play a crucial role in imparting quick and recognizable safety advice. The radioactivity symbol, created in 1946 in Berkley, serves as a stark warning about the dangers of radioactive substances. Following the widespread use of gas masks during WWII, the trefoil symbol adopted the shape of the mask to convey safety information.

Beyond religious and political affiliations, symbols also signify support for various causes, brand loyalty, and identification. They are utilized for military markings, recognition of compatibility, and conveying extensive information in a compact form, such as in the iconography of maps or electrical circuit diagrams. Symbols are integral to mathematics and played a significant role in the organization of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where they enabled the creation of event signage that embraced the cultural context of the Asian country. These symbols have transcended boundaries and become deeply ingrained in our daily lives, shaping our communication, understanding, and perception of the world around us.

Weight: 936g
Dimension: 194 x 239 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911216384