ymbols and ymbolism

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

      Click on the Dragon to return to the bottom of the the previous section

Legend:  Text only unless otherwise indicated:   = Source has graphics and text;   = Source has only graphics;  = Source indexed in Ch. 19.

 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

          Sa  Sc  Se  Sh  Si  Sn  So  Sp  Sq  St  Sy 

•   Santillana, Giorgio de, and Dechend, Hertha von.  Hamlet's Mill:  An Essay on Myth and the Frame of Time.  Boston:  David R. Godine, 1977.  505pp., 0-87923-215-3.  [PJ386] BL304 .D43.  §: 5.
  ANNOTE

    Sax, Boria.  The Mythological Zoo:  An Encyclopedia of Animals in World Myth, Legend, & Literature.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2001.  299pp., 1-57607-612-1.    GR705.S344 2001.  §: 2. 

  The entries in this encyclopedia are arranged alphabetically, but, because several creatures are included in many of the entries, use of the 18-page index following the body of the work is essential, albeit incomplete.  The articles tend to a rambling style, with the biblical references sometimes peculiar in interpretation.  (Although calling the "Shepherd's Psalm," Psalm 23, instead "The Lord's Prayer" was outright egregious.)  Each article has its own bibliography.

    Schechner, Richard.  "Ritual and Performance," (613-647).  In:  Ingold, Tim, ed.  Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology.  London:  Routledge, 1994.  1127pp., 0-415-02137-5.  GN25.C65 1994. 

  ANNOTE

    Scheub, Harond.  A Dictionary of African Mythology:  The Mythmaker as Storyteller.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 2000.  368pp., 0-19-512456-1.  BL2400.S24 2000. 

  More a compilation of story synopses than a dictionary, yet even more complex than that, this is more a small encyclopedia, with African stories, themes, and, occassionally, analysis.  The stories are arranged alphabetically by the main character, with the culture and country in parentheses after the entry.  Then follows the story or its synopsis.  Before the start of each new letter is a page with either a thematic discussion or proverbs.  After the "dictionary" are several sections: Sources (an index of where the tales are to be found), Bibliography (27 pages), 3 appendices, and a 16-page index. 

    Schimmel, Annemarie.  The Mystery of Numbers.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1993.  (Originally published as:  Endres, Franz Carl and Schimmel, Annemarie.  Das Mysterium der Zahl.  Munich:  Eugen Diederichs Verlag, 1984.)  314pp., 0-19-605303-1.    BF1623.P9E55.  §: 7.

  This work is an attempt to cover the use of numbers and numerical systems for mystical and symbolic purposes.  In the introduction, Schimmel covers number systems, Pythagorean approaches, brief mention of Gnostic use with somewhat better description of kabbalah, the Islamic mystical uses, medieval European and Islamic approaches, superstitions, and, finally, a description of basic number games and magic squares.  The second section of the book, "A Little Dictionary of Numbers," which provides most of the text, has individual chapters for numbers 1-22, then chapters for 24-39, 40, 42-66, 70 & 72, and "Up to Ten Thousand."  Seeing as these are chapters, the entries are more on the order of encyclopedic than dictionary, with heavy illustrations and wide-ranging examples of the numbers and their uses.  These chapters are followed by a categorized and partially annotated bibliography of 15 pages.  This excellent bibliography is very broad in both its topical coverage and in the languages of the sources included.  Then comes a narrative "illustration credits" which is followed by a 16-page index.

    Schirch, Lisa.  Ritual and Symbol in Peacebuilding.  Bloomfield, CT:  Kumarian Press, 2004.  224pp., 1-56549-194-7 (pb)/ 1-56549-195-5(hb.)  JZ5538.S36 2005. 

  Describes how rituals and symbols are critical in confirming commitment to the resolution of conflicts.  This book is a useful example of how the symbolic act becomes a practical application to life, when understood and valued as a part of the process.  Yet, despite the pragmatic application, the book is written on the theoretical/research level.  The final chapter deals with both the further need for research and suggestions for practice.  The 18-page, small-print bibliography followed by a 13-page index. 

    Scott, James George.  See:  The Mythology of All Races, vol. 12, Indo-Chinese.

    Scott, Nathan A, Jr.  "The Broken Center:  A Definition of the Crisis of Values in Modern Literature."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    Seife, Charles.  Zero:  The Biography of a Dangerous Idea.  New York:  Viking, 2000.  248pp., 0-670-88457-X.  QA141.S45. 

  This book, perhaps, does not really belong with Symbols or even signs by the author's own definition of purpose.  Nonetheless, it provides an interesting history of the concept of zero, nothing, the void, as well as its opposite, infinity.  Beginning, more or less, with the execution of Hippasus of Metapontum by the "cult" of Pythagoras for betrayal, the author takes the idea of "zero" through its mathematical and scientific history to the discovery of the Big Bang creation, and prediction of the ice death, of the universe.  Includes an 8-page bibliography (with web sites) and an 8-page index.

    Shearer, Benjamin F., and Shearer, Barbara S.  State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols  A Historical Guide.  Westport, CT:  Greenwood Press, 1987, 1994, 2002.  1st ed., 240pp.; 2nd ed., 438pp., 3rd ed., 497pp.; 0-313-31534-4 (3rd.)    E155.S44 2002. 

  While these three editions provide information, including many illustrations in color, of official designations of the individual states of the United States of America, the significance of the various signs and symbols are minimal.  The first edition had chapters covering "State Names and Nicknames," "State Mottoes," "State Seals,' "State Flags," "State Capitols," "State Flowers," "State Trees," "State Birds," State Songs," and "Miscellaneous Official State Designations."  These were followed by a bibliography of state histories and a 21-page index.  These 10 chapters were expanded to 14 in the 2nd edition (adding holidays, automobile license plates (main license, not specialty plates), postage stamps, and fairs & festivals.  The third edition also added universities, a historical list of governors, and professional sports teams. 

    Shepherd, Walter, comp.  Shepherd's Glossary of Graphic Signs and Symbols.  London:  J. M. Dent & Sons, 1971.  596pp.; 0-460-03818-4.    AZ108.S53.  §: 2.

  In a complex attempt to simplify the categorization of graphic signs, Walter Shepherd has produced this glossary of graphics.  Using the "Key," (but only after reading the Introduction,) a person may find most any graphical sign and its meanings and usages.  At least, in theory.  The fact that two different forms of Omega (printed versus handwritten) are included without cross-references within the text, leaves a bit of doubt in respect as to the true effectiveness of this glossary.   The book and its "definitions" are concerned with the significance of signs in charts, maps, etc., not with the symbolic significances.  In addition to technical signs, this work includes many alphabets plus the Japanese kana.  The alphabets themselves are included in an appendix, with references to the glossary tables; at this point there are listings for both printed and cursive forms.  The alphabets included are Roman, German, Greek, Russian (Cyrillic), Hebrew, Arabic, Morse code, and Braille.  A second appendix contains a list of signs by general category, starting with "Astronomy" and running through "Standard Shading Tints."  The other appendices are:  3. Proof Corrections;  and, 4. Typefaces and Flowers.  The 5-page bibliography is followed by a 7-page "Index of Signs with Names." 

    Sienkewicz, Thomas J.  World Mythology:  An Annotated Guide to Collections and Anthologies.  Lanham, MD:  The Scarecrow Press, 1996.  469pp., 0-8108-3154-6.  BL311.S54 1996. 

  This is an annotated bibliography of published myths, solely or in collections, and intended for the general, English language reader.  Although excluding "books dealing with modern economic or political myths," urban legends and other contemporary myths are included.  For Sienkewicz, "myths are essentially traditional stories, narratives handed down from generation to generation within a community." (p.1)  Within his introduction, he divides and defines myths into 4 categories:  myths proper, legends & sagas, Folktales (or Märchen), and fairy tales. (p.2)  Throughout his introduction, the author uses the myth of Sisyphus as an analogy to his task, and uses it well in an enlightening, entertaining manner.  Contents:  1: General Collections and Anthologies; 2: Africa; 3: The Americas; 4: Oceania; 5: Asia; 6: Europe; Indexes.  There are 3 indexes:  Author and Editor Index (12 pages), Illustrator Index (3 pages), and Subject Index (46 pages.)  The author does admit to selectivity in European myths and the same limitations are obvious in the collections of North America.  For instance, there are only 2 works by Katherine Briggs (British isles) and 1 of Benjamin Botkin's numerous tomes (American) included. 

    Silberer, Herbert.  Hidden Symbolism of Alchemy and the Occult Arts.  New York:  Dover, 1971.  Translation originally titled Problems of Mysticism and Its Symbolism, New York:  Moffat, Yard and Co., 1917.  Translated by Smith Ely Jelliffe.  451pp., 0-486-20972-5.  [PM207]  §: 7.

  An early attempt to reconcile psychoanalysis and the mysticism represented by alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and Freemasonry.  Dr. Silberer's work is referenced in several places in Jung's Symbols of Transformation, which was translated into English shortly before Silberer.  Contents:  Part I:  I. The Parable; II. Dream and Myth Interpretation.  Part II:  I. Psychoanalytic Interpretation of the Parable; II. Alchemy; III. The Hermetic Art; IV. Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry; V. The Problem of Multiple Interpretation.  Part III:  I. Introversion and Regeneration; II. The Goal of the work; III. The Royal Art.  Includes notes, a 17-page bibliography, and 7-page index. 

    Sill, Gertrude Grace.  A Handbook of Symbols in Christian Art  New York:  Collier Bks, 1975.  241pp.; 0-02-000850-3.    [PO206] N8010.S54.  §: 2,4.

  Arranged in dictionary format, but with encyclopedia-length and organized articles, with a 9-page index (which is inadequate.  For instance, if I am looking up something related to Judith, I have to know to look under "Apocrypha," for there is no entry in the text nor in the index.)  This work is, indeed, intended as a handbook to be read and used by those seeking to understand historical works of church-related art.  Most, though not all, illustrations are b&w reproductions of artworks.  Most entries end with parenthetical cross-references.  Most entries are too broad for the uninformed reader.  Includes a select bibliography of useful sources as well as a detailed credit section for illustrations. 

    Snodgrass, Mary Ellen.  Voyages in Classical Mythology.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 1994.  478pp., 0-87436-734-4.    BL727.S66 1994. 

  This encyclopedia of classical voyages begins with an "Author's Note," followed by an "Introduction," neither of which truly introduces the book nor the methodology/format of the book.  Basically, both of the prefatory writings say that viewing classical myths is a voyage just as the myths themselves are usually tales of voyages.  Then follows the 44 articles, arranged by person's name, of the "voyages," which, in fact, are the tales of individuals.  Each article begins with an illustration and the person's name with the pronunciation of the name in brackets.  The body of the article has four sections:  Genealogy and Background; Journey; Alternate Versions; and Symbolism.  It is augmented by a genealogical chart and a map of the regions covered by the journey marked with principle sites relevant.  Each article is completed by a "See Also" list of interrelated articles and "Ancient Sources," a bibliography.  After the articles, the book itself has a glossary of terms, a list of ancient sources by author, a chronology of the sources, a 6-page bibliography of 19th and 20th century sources, 16-page general index, and a 6-page geographic index.  The author's storytelling ability is quite good, although the "Symbolism" sections vary in quality.  The sites are numbered on the map of each article in the order in which they occur within the voyage, which makes following the journey easy and thus more informative. 

    Soltes, Ori Z..  Our Sacred Signs:  How Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source.  Cambridge, MA:  Westview Press/Perseus Books, 2005.  275pp., 978-0-8133-4297-9.   N72.R4S65 2005.

  ANNOTE.

    Speltz, Alexander.  The Styles of Ornament.  New York:  Dover Publications, 1959.  Translation by David O'Connor.  647pp.; 0-486-20557-6.    [PQ438] NK1530 .S72 1959.  §: 3,4.

  Drawn copies of architectural and furniture designs, including some mythological, from around the world, from antiquity to recent eras.

    Sperber, Dan.  Rethinking Symbolism, translated by Alice L. Morton from Le symbolisme en général  (Paris:  Hermann, 1974).  Cambridge:  Cambridge U Pr, 1975.  153pp., 0-521-20834-3.  BF458.S641. 

  This is a brief book on the theory of symbolism from an anthropologist's perspective, not a definition of symbols.  The main concern is the author's prefatory statement, that he has "not tried to construct a formally rigorous argument." (xiii)  The author's concern with "digestibility" of the argument can result in inconsistencies that may be even less digestible.   The first 3 chapters deal with the various theories of symbolism from deficient rationalism to Lévi-Strauss.  The fourth chapter deals with how symbolism relates to knowledge, followed by the final chapter on the "mechanism" of symbolism.  3-page bibliography, no index.  His theory, while new and without some of the failings of other theories, requires a 1:1 relationship which appears to deny conditional meanings as being non-semiological, while declaring that a symbol always means the same thing, and always means.  Yet, in his preface, Sperber denies semiological interpretation and anthropological relativism as being adequate approaches to understanding symbolism, he preferring a cognitive approach. 

    Sproul, Barbara C.  Primal Myths:  Creation Myths Around the World.  San Francisco:  HarperSanFrancisco, 1991; c1979.  373pp., 0-06-067501-2.  BL325.C7S68 1991. 

  This is a collection of creation myths, each with its own introduction, from around the world.  Following a lengthy Introduction, the myths are arranged by regions:  African Myths; Near Eastern Myths; European Myths; Myths of India; Myths of China and Japan; Siberian and Eskimo Myths; North American Myths; Central and South American Myths; Myths of Australia and the Pacific.  A 2-page index terminates the book.  Each individual myth is followed by a citation to its source publication.

    Squire, Charles.  Mythology of the Celtic People.  London:  Bracken Books, 1996; reprint of Celtic Myth & Legend;  Poetry and Romance, 1912, Gresham Publishing Co., London; Bell also published an edition (hardback) under the original title in 1976.  450pp., 0-09-185043-6.  [HJ117; PP069] BL900 .S6. 

  An account of British and Irish myths as reflections of the pre-Roman Celtic religion, which reflects pretty much the attitude of the early twentieth century, including Arthur as a Celtic god without historic base.  Some full-page, b&w illustrations.

    Stafford, Thomas Albert.  Christian Symbolism in the Evangelical Churches.  New York:  Abingdon Press, 1942.  176pp.    [PH032] 

  Designed for Evangelical churches (defined as "denominational bodies which cling closely to the doctrines derived more or less directly from the New Testament alone, and which accept...Holy Communion and Baptism—as symbolical rites rich in spiritual significance."  The introductory chapter explains the place and uses of symbolism, followed by chapters on symbols of the triume God, sacred monograms, Christ's suffering, and then chapters on more abstract ideas.  The final chapter makes suggestions for teaching the church's symbolism.  Includes a 4-page bibliography, 16 pages of defined church terms, and a 4-page index.  Explanations within the text are well keyed to nearby illustrations. 

    Stapleton, Michael.  A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology.  New York:  Bell Publishing, 1978; originally published by The Manlyn Publishing Group, Ltd., 1978.  224pp., 0-517-26281-9.  [HK110] BL715.S7 1978b.  §: 2.

  ANNOTE

    Stemp, Richard.  The Secret Language of the Renaissance:  Decoding the Hidden Symbolism of Italian Art.  London:  Duncan Baird Publishers, 2006.  224pp., 978-1-84483-307-8.     [HR310] N6915.S74 2006.  

  Designed as a course in interpreting Italian Renaissance art, yet this book can also be useful as a reference source, due to its arrangement.  While much of the work is relatively simple in its focus, yet it also uses very functional techniques to illustrate its message.  This volume is arranged in 3 Parts, "New Art From Old Ideas," (about the various media used); "The Language of the Renaissance," (dealing with themes but, also, with some symbolism); and "The Thematic Decoder," (dealing with some specific symbolism by theme.)  While Part 3, "The Thematic Decoder," is easy to find, being on a different color paper, Part 2, "The Language of the Renaissance," holds equally valuable aids to decoding the artworks.  In addition, topical cross-references are located at the bottom of each page, which is particularly helpful in that they often refer to undifferentiated subsections.  In several places within the book, a double-page illustration if followed by an in-detail explanation of the various parts of the artwork.  

    Stevens, Anthony.  Ariadne's Clue:  A Guide to the Symbols of Humankind.  Princeton, NJ:  Princeton University Press, 1998.  465pp., 0-691-00459-5.  BF458.S74 1999.  §: 2, 8.  

  This book is, perhaps, best described as a handbook, being somewhere between an encyclopedia and a dictionary in format.  It begins with an 89-page section on the placse of symbols in human life, expanding the view of symbol interpretation well beyond the too-common "meaning of my dream"use.  The second "part" of the book is titled, "The Explanatory Thesaurus."  This is further divided and subdivided to deal with symbols by categories (like a categorically-arranged thesaurus.)  The four major areas are:  1)Landscape; 2) Culture and Psyche; 3) People, Animals, and Plants; 4) The Body.  However, as the author warns, this is not intended to be a "dream book," with ready-made interpretations, but a guide to understanding the significance of symbols within the individual's own life.  After the "thesaurus" is a 10-page bibliography, a 6-page glossary of symbolism and psychological terminology, a 10-page general index, and a 17-page symbol index.  (NOTE:  The symbol index is listed in the table of contents as beginning on page 000; it begins on p. 449.) 

    Stewart, William.  Dictionary of Images and Symbols in Counselling.  London:  Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1998.  430pp; 1-85302-412-0.     BF637.C6S7675.  §: 2, 8.

  While designed by an experienced psychological counsellor for use by counsellors, this dictionary is valuable for anyone interested in symbols, although especially in terms of their psychological implications.  Designed originally as part of the author's book, Imagery and Symbolism in Counselling (1996), it is equally valuable as a separate publication.  In the beginning of the book, Stewart lists all the entries, followed by a list arranged by 8 themes (nature, animals, humans, man-made, religious, mythological, abstract, and Individual or spontaneous.)  Each entry follows the sign of infinity ().  The entry name is followed by a description of the symbol or image, which is then followed by the "possible psychological interpretation."  Some entries include graphics, but not most.  Cross-references are bolded, and are frequent throughout the entries.  Some categories lead to great lists and further "interpretation."  For instance, "Flowers" has several subtopics within the main description, then a list of specific flowers and their possible meanings that runs for more than 5 additional pages.  There is a brief bibliography that is Western in orientation, followed by a lengthy index. 

    ____________.  Imagery and Symbolism in Counselling.  London:  Kingsley, 1996.  293 pp, 1-85302-350-7.  BF458.S78 1996.  §: 8.

  The author uses the image of "journeys" to explore symbols and their use in counseling.  Includes few graphics itself, but is intended to be used with the companion volume, Dictionary of Images and Symbols in Counselling, 1998.  The first half of the book uses 12 "journeys" to explore the use of specific symbols and symbolism in an "active imagining" process, then the second half looks at sessions with 15 clients and how the imagery was used.  The book is intended to aid cousellors using "active Imagination" techniques.  The brief bibliography is a combination of related works and original writings.  15 page index.

    Stokstad, Marilyn.   Medieval Castles.  Westport, CT:  Greenwood Press, 2005.  193pp, 0-313-32525-1.    UG429.G7S76 2005. 

  This publication, a title in the "Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Medieval World," has two sections dealing with the castle and its environs as symbols.  Pages liv-lvi in the "Overview" as well as Chapter 4, "The Castle as Symbol and Palace," cover and comment on the symbolic values and meanings of the castle and its components.  Some of the details are simplified. 

    Stoneman, Richard.  Greek Mythology:  An Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend.  London:  Aquarian Press, 1991.  192pp., 0-850030.  BL715.S76 1991. 

  A straightforward encyclopedia of Greek myths, brief, concise, and selective.  Cross references (except for the gods) are in italics.  The Introduction does more than introduce the book, it gives an example of the scholarly conflict still alive today and presents an excellent survey of the history of views about Greek mythology from the 6th centruy, B.C., to recent times.  Because the volume is selective, many entries included in other dictionaries and encyclopedias of classical mythology are not included, thus creating a weakness.  Facing the start of the Introduction is a page with 2 maps, one showing the major areas and towns of the Greek world (including the Aegean and Asia Minor), the other showing the Mediterranean area with major features mentioned in the myths.  After the Introduction is "The Guide to Greek Mythology" in a dictionary format.  A 6-page bibliography concludes the volume.  An index of all names included within entries, including those without individual entries themselves, would have been a major improvement.  The lack of this index, so essential to a true encyclopedia, in effect, makes this a dictionary. 

    Sykes, Egerton; Kendall, Alan, rev.  Who's Who in Non-Classical Mythology, revised ed.  New York:  Oxford University Press, 1993.  235pp., 0-19-521032-8.  BL303.S9 1993.  §: 2.

  Essentially a dictionary of personages in myths from outside the Classical world, this source takes the approach that "When we approach a myth....We are being given access to the world view of a people, of its understanding of itself, its society and its god or gods." (p. ix.)  The entries follow a strict alphabetical order, with cross-references indicated by a following dagger (†).  The 11-page bibliography is arranged by region or culture, with some regions further divided by country.  Being a dictionary, there is no index, but many entries in the body of the dictionary consist entirely of cross-references to appropriate entries, thus minimizing the need of an index. 

          Ta  Th  Ti  Tr  Tu 

•   Taube, Karl  See  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. 
•   Taylor, Richard.  How to Read a Church.  An Illustrated Guide to Images, Symbols and Meanings in Churches and Cathedrals.  London:  Rider Books, 2004, 2003.  272pp., 1-8441-3238-2.    [HQ562]   BV150.T39 2004. 
  This book has been published in 3 editions in 3 years:  The original edition in 2003, an "illustrated edition" in 2004 (described here), and an American edition in 2005.  After a note on terminology, the work begins with "Reading a Church:  Preliminaries," which is a broad introduction to understanding the use of symbols within a church building and the significance of certain broad categories, such as colors, numbers, and shapes.  Following this initial chapter there are 11 chapters on specific topics:  1.  Church building and furniture; 2.  Crosses and crucifixes; 3.  God; 4.  Jesus; 5.  The Virgin Mary; 6.  Saints; 7.  The Old Testament; 8.  Doctors, angels, and abstracts; 9.  Animals, birds, and fish; 10.  Plants; 11.  Letters and words.  The twelth chapter is "How to read a priest," concerning the clothing and equipment of the priest.  As an appendix, there is a listing of various apostles and their Latin and English equivalent parts of the Apostles' Creed.  Taylor ends the book with 2 bibliographies on one page, a 5-page index, and credits. 

    Thompson, Philip, and Davenport, Peter.   The Dictionary of Graphic Images.  New York:  St. Martin's Press, 1980.  263pp., 0-312-20108-7.    BF458.T45 1980. §: 2.

  This is a collection of modern graphics, mainly advertisements and magazine covers, that the authors/editors present as an extension of historical graphic symbols.  In addition to displaying the images, arranged by topic, the authors analyze each in a symbolic context.  The "Index and Credits" section is simply a credits section arranged by the person's name.  The text includes some peculiar cross-references as well as lacks thereof.  This volume provides one of the few attempts to collect current and recent graphic images as illustrations of symbolism. 

    Thompson, Sue Ellen.  Holiday Symbols.  Detroit:  Omnigraphics, 1st. ed., 1998; 2nd ed., 2000.  694pp., 0-7808-0423-6.  GT3930.T48 2000. 

  ______________.  Holiday Symbols and Customs, 3rd ed.  Detroit:  Omnigraphics, 2003.  895pp., 0-7808-0501-1.  GT3930.T48 2003. 

  "A guide to the legend and lore behind the people, places, food, animals, and other symbols associated with holidays and holy days, feasts and fasts, and other celebrations, covering popular, ethnic, religious, national, and ancient events, as observed in the United States and around the world."  (The following description is based on the second edition.)  The main section is arranged alphabetically by the name of the holiday.  Each entry begins with a data section listing the type of holiday, date, place, symbols, colors, and related holidays.  Where colors are included, their significance is explained in this section.  The main entry is then divided between "Origins" and "Symbols," with the latter further subdivided by the individual symbols related to the holiday.  References within "Origins" to similar, predecessor, successor, or related holidays are in bold print.  The entry is then concluded with a bibliography titled, "Further Reading."  The book concludes with a 23-page general index and a14-page symbols index.  The index of symbols can be very useful, leading, as it does, to how the symbol relates to different cultures and holidays.  This sort of distinction of meaning is often missing from standard dictionaries of symbolism.  However, the index is not very analytical:  no entry under "Heaven", but there is under "Seven Heavens."  For any type of tree, the reader needs to look under tree—after the general heading, "Trees," different types of trees are listed.  Of course, all of these symbols are related to specific holidays—after all, what are holidays, but symbols themselves? 

    Tillich, Paul.  The Dynamics of Faith.  New York:  Harper Torchbooks, 1958.  134 pp.

  Although oriented toward the question, "What is Faith?" and focussed on what this means for the Christian, it does have a broader application than to just one organized religion.  But, in seeking to answer his question, Tillich is forced to define the subject of faith: in what is the faith invested?  Thus he comes to define the "ultimate concern," his broader-than-theistic term, allowing for the qualities of faith to be understood in all conditions.  Part of that required recognizing the difference between that which only points and that which points to but also participates in that to which it points, the difference between Sign and Symbol. 

    ______________.  "The Religious Symbol."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    Tresidder, Jack. Symbols and Their Meanings.  New York:  Barnes & Noble, 2006; originally published by Duncan Baird, 2000.  184pp., 978-0-7607-8164-7.    [PR205] AZ108.T74 2000. 

  This is a heavily illustrated, topically arranged, popular guide to symbols and their meanings.  Similar in many ways to David Fontana's works (q.v.), it even incorporates a section apparently from his The Secret Language of Symbols (1993) in the final section, "Symbol Systems," with the only credit given in small print on the obverse of the title page.  The eight sections are:  The Spirit Incarnate; Soul, Mind and the Supernatural; The Animal World; The Plant Kingdom; Spirits of the Cosmos; Arts and Artefacts; Patterns and Graphics; and Symbol Systems.  This is followed by a very brief "further reading" selection of mainly popular sources, 8½ page index, and 1 page picture credits. 

    Tripp, Edward.  Crowell's Handbook of Classical Mythology.  New York:  Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1970.  631pp., 0-690-22608-X.  BL303.T75 1970.  §: 2, 5. 

  Edward Tripp recounts, in very abbreviated form and in dictionary order, the stories of the various persons, places, and things from Classical mythology.  By "classical," the author is referring mainly to Greek myths, because of the limited amount of information and detail in the Roman.  The main characters in a myth have the greater entries, while minor characters have lesser information, sometimes no more than one line.  There are a number of cross-references, especially from Greek transliterations to the more common Latinized forms of names.  There is also a "pronouncing index" at the end of the book with both Latin and Greek names and their pronunciations.  The main purpose for this book is providing background to readers of other works when they run across an allusion. 

    Turner, Jessica Anderson  See:  Yang Lihui and An Deming, with Turner, Jessica Anderson.  Handbook of Chinese Mythology.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2005. 

    Turner, Victor.  The Forest of Symbols:  Aspects of Ndembu Ritual.  Ithaca, NY:  Cornell University Press, 1967.  405pp.    DT963.42.T8.  §: 5.  

    A collection of presented papers, published articles, and new material, this book provides a fascinating application of theory to concrete situations within a single culture.  In the Introduction and throughout the 10 chapters that follow, Victor Turner uses elaborate descriptions of rituals to explain his theoretical understandings of ritual and its related symbolism as well as analyzing the rituals and practices he describes for their symbolic content.  In the Introduction, the author classifies the rituals in to two separate types, those of life-crisis and those of affliction..  Chapter III deals with color classsification while VII deals with circumcision, but both topics appear elsewhere, especially in chapter II, "Ritual Symbolism, Morality, and Social Structure among the Ndembu," which also has an in-depth treatment of meaning and symbols.  Each chapter, including the Introduction, has its own bibliography.  The book concludes with an 11-page index. 

•   Vandyopadhyaya, Virendra:  See instead:  Bonnerjea, Biren.

          Wa  We  Wh  Wi 

•   Walker, Barbara.  The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects.  San Francisco:  Harper & Row, 1988.  563 pp.; 0-06-250992-5.    CB475.W45 1988.  §: 2.
  Arranged by 21 "motifs," then arranged alphabetically, many of the entries have graphics at the top of the page.  Almost all symbols are eventually traced back to "goddess" worship.  At times, as in the entry for "Urim and Thummim," most of the entry is spent attacking a "patriarchal" religion, rather than dealing directly with the symbol or its significance.  Each entry is followed by note references which link the text to the substantial bibliography after the main section of the book.  This is followed by a limited index. 

    Weiner, James F.  "Myth and Metaphor," (591-612);  In:  Ingold, Tim, ed.  Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology.  London:  Routledge, 1994.  1127pp., 0-415-02137-5.  GN25.C65 1994. 

  ANNOTE

    Werner, Alice.  See:  The Mythology of All Races, vol. 7, African.

    Werner, E. T. C.  A Dictionary of Chinese Mythology.  New York:  The Julian Press, Inc., 1961.  Originally published Shanghai:  Kelly and Walsh, Ltd., 1932.  627pp.  BL1801.W35 1961. 

  An alphabetical dictionary using the Wade transcription system, covering Chinese and, due to Buddhism, much of Indian mythology.  Each name transcribed into Roman is followed by the original Chinese characters.  After the body of the dictionary is an index to myths without specific entries, a chronology of Chinese dynasties, and a bibliography, with Chinese sources separated from Foreign sources; both are without publication data.

    Whitehead, Alfred North.  Symbolism:  Its Meaning and Effect.  New York:  Macmillan, 1927.  88pp.  BF458.W5.  §: 6. 

  Whitehead's delivery of the Barbour-Page Lectures, University of Virginia, for 1927, is presented in the 3 chapters of this book.  The first two lectures deal with the means of perceiving symbols and symbolism (presentational immediacy and causal efficacy), the third with the uses of symbolism.  Symbolism is used in its broadest, least effective meaning.  As might be expected from its era, these lectures approach symbolism from a primarily rational, conscious approach. 

    ______________  "Uses of Symbolism."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    Whittick, Arnold.  Symbols, Signs and Their Meaning and Uses in Design, 2nd ed.  Newton, MA:  Charles T. Branford, 1971.  1st ed., London:  Leonard Hill Books, 1960.    AZ108.W45 1971a.  §: 2.

  This work is an examination of visual signs and focuses primarily on Western symbolism.  Twenty-two chapters are separated into 4 parts.  Contents:  I. Introduction;  II. Symbolism in its precise and applied forms, and its practical uses--identification, authentication, exchange, guarantee and propaganda;  III. Individual and collective expression--instinctive, creative and imaginative symbolism;  IV. Encyclopaedic dictionary.  A 25-page index concludes the book, but no separate bibliography is included.  Instead, each chapter, and each entry within the "encyclopaedia," has its own bibliographical references.  A collection of photographic plates, located between pp. 208 and 209, make up most of the illustrations.  The author's perspective seems determined by the causal (learned) theory of symbolism, as espoused by Alfred North Whitehead, to whom there are copious references in the introductory essay.  As a result, there are, of course, few references to Jungian studies (only 1 publication) and only a few more to Freud and the exponents of psychoanalysis.  The Introduction, despite its failings in understanding the psychological perspectives on symbols (or is it distaste for psychology?), does cover many of the philosophical perspectives, including early twentieth century theoretical physics.  The dicitonary usually gives the intentional significance of the signs it covers, as should be expected from the foregoing. 

    Wilhoit, James C.  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. 

    Wilder, Amos N.  "The Cross:  Social Trauma or Redemption."  In:  May, Rollo, ed.  Symbolism in Religion and Literature.  New York:  George Braziller, 1960. 

    ______________.  Jesus' Parables and the War of Myths:  Essays on Imagination in the Scripture.  Edited with a preface by James Breech.  Philadelphia:  Fortress Press, 1982.  168pp., 0-8006-0668-X.  BS2555.5.W53 1982. 

  A collection of seven essays dealing with the effects of language, and especially rhetoric, on interpretation of Jesus' teachings and the eschatologic immediacy of the early Church.  One aspect of several of the essays is the critical comparison of the breadth of biblical humanism with modern writings.  Another theme is the amount of social change that language (and literary forms) can tolerate, as well as create, as observed in Christianity and the competing religions in that first century. 

    Wilkinson, Philip.  Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology:  Heroes, heroine, Gods, and Goddesses from around the World.  New York:  DK Publishing, 1998.  128pp., 0-7894-3413-X.  BL303.W55 1998.  §: 2.

  ANNOTE

    Wilkinson, Richard H.  Symbol and Magic in Egyptian Art.  New York:  Thames and Hudson, 1994.  224pp., 0500236631.  N5350.W492 1994. 

  ANNOTE

    ______________.  "Symbols," p. 329-335.  The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, III.  Oxford:  Oxford University Press, 2001.  3 vols., 0-19-510234-7.  DT58.O94 2001. 

  Beginning with a distinctive definition of what symbols are not, Wilkinson goes on to explain how central symbols and symbolism is to ancient Egyptian thought.  Much of the article concentrates on aspects of visual symbolization:  hieroglyphs, size, location, material, number, actions, and gestures.  The last section explains how interpretation uses these aspects in viewing ancient Egyptian artifacts.  Concludes with cross-references and a 23-item bibliography. 

    Williams, George M.  Handbook of Hindu Mythology.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2003; "Handbooks of World Mythology" series.  373pp., 1-57607-106-5.    BL1111.4.W55 2003. 

  Following the form of the other entries in ABC Clio's "Handbooks of World Mythology" series, this book begins with an Introduction to the main concepts and developments, 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.   The concluding matter includes a glossary and a 30-page index.  The volume concludes with a full-page background of the author.  Most entries in the dictionary have cross-references at the end of the article, with occassional source references/suggestions for additional reading.. 

    Willis, Roy.  "Symbolism:  Animals," p. 197-200..  Encyclopedia of Africa South of the Sahara, IV.  New York:  Charles Scribner's Sons, 1997.  4 vols., 0-684-80466-2.  DT351.E53 1997. 

  In the middle article of three about symbolism in Africa south of the Sahara, Willis describes animal motifs in the arts and their significance.  The article concludes with a 15-item bibliography and cross-references to other articles in the encyclopedia.

    Willis, Roy, General Ed.  World Mythology.  New York:  Henry Holt & Co., 1993.  320pp., 0-8050-2701-7.    BL311.W66 1993. 

  Beginning with a Preface and an Introduction, the text begins with "Great Themes of Myth" as the first chapter, following which are chapters arranged in 19 regional areas, each by different authors.  In the Introduction, Dr. Willis describes the various views of myth, as well as attempting to define "myth," "legend," "folktale," and "fairytale."   Willis concludes the Introduction with his reasoning for why myth is so gripping—its anti-authoritarian sense of play.  Contents:  Great Themes of Myth; Egypt; The Middle East; India; China; Tibet and Mongolia; Japan; Greece; Rome; The Celtic World; Northern Europe; Central and Eastern Europe; The Artic Regions; North America; Mesoamerica; South America; Africa; Australia; Oceania; Southeast Asia.  Authors of each chapter are listed only in the table of contents.  Each chapter describes its own milieu and conditions, as well as descibing the mythology of the region and recounting some of the more important myths in brief.  The text is well illustrated and makes good use of maps.  The body of the text is followed by a 2-page categorized bibliography titled "For Further Reading"; most of the titles included are in-depth works by scholars.  Indeed, the "General" category includes major titles by many of the persons mentioned in the Introduction.  There is also a 10-page index. 

•   Yang Lihui and An Deming, with Turner, Jessica Anderson.  Handbook of Chinese Mythology.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC Clio, 2005.  291pp., 1-57607-806-X.    BL1825.Y355 2005. 
  Organized similarly to other titles in this ABC Clio series, this book begins with an in-depth Introduction, followed by "A Timeline of the Mythological World," then the dictionary of "Deities, Themes, and Concepts," which forms the main body of the volume.  The concluding matter consists of the annotated bibliography of print, non-print, and online sources; a glossary (a mix of terminology and brief summaries of entries in the dictionary); a 25-page index; and the "About the Authors" page.  The entries in the dictionary, many of which are lengthy, conclude with cross-references and individual bibliographies.  In the Introduction, the authors discuss the meaning of "myth," as well as how they apply it in this book.  This volume concentrates on the traditional myths of the Han, both published and handed down orally, while including selected myths of the other 56 ethnic groups in China.  Indeed, the main complaint of the authors about Western books of and about Chinese myths, is that they miss many myths that have been transmitted orally while including artificial myths, especially those included in sutras, and folktales.  As a result, many of the sources listed in the entry bibliographies are only available in the Chinese language. 

    Yenne, Bill, gen. ed.  Flags of the World.  Secaucus, NJ:  Chartwell Books, 1993.  80pp., 1-55521-855-5.    CR101.F53. 

  For each flag there is at least a brief history and explanation of the symbols thereon.  Several countries warrant far greater coverage of the development of their flags, especially the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States.  Includes, without comment, flags of the various states within the United States.  Also includes the flags of the U.N., Council of Europe, International Red Cross, NATO, and the IOC.  A 1-page index concludes the book. 

•   Zimbaro, Valerie P.  Encyclopedia of Apocalyptic Literature.  Santa Barabar, CA:  ABC-Clio, 1996.  400pp., 0-87436-823-5.  PN56.A69Z56 1996.  §: 2, 9.
  ANNOTE

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