Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images

The Book of Symbols combines original essays with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history, exploring the psychic background of symbols and their resonance in art, religion, life, and dreams. It offers no pat definitions but illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance, appealing to a wide range of readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 808 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2020
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

The Book of Symbols is a captivating and comprehensive guide to the world of symbols and their profound impact on our lives. Combining original and incisive essays with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history, the book offers a unique perspective on the hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the approximately 350 essays examines a given symbol's psychic background and how it evokes psychic processes and dynamics. Etymological roots, the play of opposites, paradox and shadow, and the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic image are all taken into consideration. The essays are written by authors from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, and they flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche's unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of symbols, and a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compelling our attention and unfolding in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize symbols, The Book of Symbols illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image in art, religion, life, or dreams to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance. The book sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings and will appeal to a wide range of readers, including artists, designers, dreamers and dream interpreters, psychotherapists, self-helpers, gamers, comic book readers, religious and spiritual searchers, writers, students, and anyone curious about the power of archetypal images.
The Book of Symbols is a captivating and comprehensive guide to the world of symbols and their profound impact on our lives. Combining original and incisive essays with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history, the book offers a unique perspective on the hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the approximately 350 essays examines a given symbol's psychic background and how it evokes psychic processes and dynamics. Etymological roots, the play of opposites, paradox and shadow, and the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic image are all taken into consideration. The essays are written by authors from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, and they flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche's unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of symbols, and a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compelling our attention and unfolding in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize symbols, The Book of Symbols illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image in art, religion, life, or dreams to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance. The book sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings and will appeal to a wide range of readers, including artists, designers, dreamers and dream interpreters, psychotherapists, self-helpers, gamers, comic book readers, religious and spiritual searchers, writers, students, and anyone curious about the power of archetypal images.

Weight: 1798g
Dimension: 175 x 244 x 54 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836514484