A Dictionary Of Symbols (2001) Bma© [DICCIONARIO DE SIMBOLOS TR

Translated from the Spanish
DICCIONARIO DE SIMBOLOS TRADICIONALES

This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2001.
English translation 1962

The result is a volume which can either be used as a work of reference, or
simply read for pleasure and instruction. There are many entries in this dictionary—
those on Architecture, Colour, Cross, Graphics, Mandala, Numbers, Serpent,
Water, Zodiac, to give a few examples—which can be read as independent essays.
FOREWORD x
But in general the greatest use of the volume will be for the elucidation of those
many symbols which we encounter in the arts and in the history of ideas. Man,
it has been said, is a symbolizing animal; it is evident that at no stage in the
development of civilization has man been able to dispense with symbols. Science
and technology have not freed man from his dependence on symbols: indeed, it
might be argued that they have increased his need for them. In any case, symbology
itself is now a science, and this volume is a necessary instrument in its study.
HERBERT READ


British Library Cataloging in Publication Data available.