Categorized | Nonfiction

The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols Review

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Monica Valentinelli


Available at Amazon.com

    Published by Harper-Collins, The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols: the Ultimate A to Z guide from Alchemy to the Zodiac is not one book, but several smaller books that range from the language of flowers to numerology and, of course, symbols.

    Normally, I find there are two challenges a book like this has to overcome. First, there’s the issue of gravity. Books in this vein can either be lighthearted, with more of a pseudo-magical feel to them, or serious and grounded in fact. This particular tome is squarely in the middle. While it does offer an aura of mystery in some respects, The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols also offers a comprehensive resource guide at the end of the book.

    Second, a book about signs and symbols may also be problematic if the content is entirely focused on Western cultures. Some of the sections here are grounded in cultural myth from European and American superstitions. However, the first section includes several illustrated symbols from multiple cultures and religions from all over the globe. Some popular; some obscure. The pictures enhance the entries and help anchor each description.

    The writing is clear and engaging, but the biggest selling point for me was the variety of information in this book for the price. In addition to the signs and symbols, you can find trees and plants, gemstones, colors, numbers, animals and three other subjects.

    I’m primarily using this book as a resource for my stories, and there’s plenty of good material here to draw from. With ten, different books chock full of information and hidden meanings to read, The Element Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols is a great addition to any library.

    Review by Monica Valentinelli

    Tags | ,

    Print This Post

    Leave a Reply

    Email Newsletter Sign Up

    Click Here to Sign Up for FlamesRising.com's Weekly Newsletter.

    You will receive horror and dark fantasy updates, news, and more once a week!


    11 Tales of Ghostly Horror

      Reviews Wanted!

      The new Review Guidelines have been posted on the Flames Rising website. We are currently seeking a few good reviewers to help us expand our collection of horror and dark fantasy reviews. RPGs, fiction, movies, video games and more are all welcome on the site...

      What do you get out of it?

      Beyond helping out fellow Flames Rising readers by letting them know what you think of these products, we're giving away some pretty cool stuff. Regular Reviewers can earn free products to review, which is their to keep after the review is submitted to the site.

      Note: We are especially looking for folks interested in reviewing eBooks (both Fiction & Comics). We have lots of great titles in digital format and even get advance copies sometimes.

      Use the Contact Page to submit reviews or let us know if you have any questions.

      The Devil’s Night WoD SAS

      Free Devil's Night | White Wolf