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The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images
40Availability: February 2, 2025This encyclopedia explores the hidden meanings of visual symbols across time and geography, from the sun to whales and the human hand. Spanning different eras and cultures, over 800 beautiful images combine with expert illuminations of symbol history, meanings, and psychic associations, offering readers a precious and fascinating resource for thoughtful interpretations of life, art, and spirituality.
Hardcover, with ribbon bookmark, 6.6 x 9.4 in., 3.91 lb, 808 pages
“Bright, optimistic, bountiful and brainy, it makes you reel with a sense of wonder at the complexity of the human mind and soul… You can’t ask for more than that.”
“...not just an interesting ecclesiastical read but a fascinating look at history through the eyes of ancient man.”
“... a potentially transformative reference work.”
“Yes, the 807 page book is a doorstop. But it is also a stairway to heaven. The amazing gift is not its weight or its cover, but what lies between: a tangible (r)evolution in consciousness.”
The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images
40Handbook of Visual Experience
An exploration of symbols and their meanings throughout history
The Book of Symbols combines original and incisive essays about particular symbols with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history. The compelling texts and over 800 beautiful full-color images come together in a unique way to convey hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the ca. 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, the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic image—all these factors are taken into consideration.
Authored by writers from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, the essays flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche’s unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of the kind that tend to collapse a symbol; a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compels our attention and unfolds in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize, 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 of Symbols sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings, and will appeal to a wide range of readers: 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.
Authored by writers from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, the essays flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche’s unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of the kind that tend to collapse a symbol; a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compels our attention and unfolds in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize, 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 of Symbols sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings, and will appeal to a wide range of readers: 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 editor and author
Drawing upon Carl Gustav Jung's work on the archetype and the collective unconscious, the Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism (ARAS) is a pictorial and written archive of mythological, ritualistic, and symbolic images from all over the world and from all epochs of human experience. The collection of 17,000 photographic images, accompanied by commentary on their cultural and historical context, probes the universality of archetypal themes and provides a testament to the deep and abiding connections of all life.
The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images
Hardcover, with ribbon bookmark, 16.8 x 24 cm, 1.77 kg, 808 pagesISBN 978-3-8365-1448-4
Edition: EnglishISBN 978-3-8365-2573-2
Edition: SpanishISBN 978-3-8365-2574-9
Edition: FrenchDownload product images here
4.7
Not as useful as it could be
June 23, 2022
Overly simplistic and obtusely organized, but pretty enough. Unfortunately the scant and oddly selected citations aren't even that useful as a jumping off point for further research. A fine choice if you're looking for something with pretty pictures to literally flip through, but doesn't really contain anything of substance. My most disappointing purchase from Taschen.Profressional
November 5, 2021
I could said, I am a huge fan of your works from long ago. Now, that I can afford money to buy and time to read, my life is more joyful. Thank you very much.Delightful
November 2, 2021
This is a very nice resource, with the same great print quality I've come to expect from TASCHEN. I didn't realize just how Jung-infused this book is when I purchased it – the author is credited as the Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism. It does indeed make a great companion to Jung's writings on the collective unconscious.A must have book
October 29, 2021
Great content and pictures. Great book quality.Wooow
October 28, 2021
Always a pleasure to have book from TASCHEN.