Rolvaag Reference Room

Arranged by Call Number

The New York Public Library Desk Reference [RR AG6 .N49 1993]

This no-nonsense reference book covers just about every area of useful and common knowledge. Includes a section specifically devoted to symbols and signs, but there are many other sections that may be helpful in interpreting or understanding symbols.

 

Lexikon der Symbole. (AKA - The Element [or Continuum]

Encyclopedia of symbols) English [RR AZ108 .B4313 1994]
This resource offers interpretations of symbols as well as various illustrations. It also pays particular attention to many symbols (i.e. cross, labyrinth, seven [and other numbers], water, etc.) by delegating a specific panel with illustrations and a more detailed interpretation.

 

The Illustrated book of Signs & Symbols [RR AZ108 .B7 1996]

Filled with rich illustrations, this work not only provides succinct explanations of signs and symbols, but also shows rather vividly how they appear.

 

Symbol Sourcebook: an Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols [RR AZ108 .D74 1984]

This resource is filled with more graphic symbols than you probably knew existed. The book is broken down into sections according to the different uses of the symbols.

 

The Dictionary of Psychology [RR BF31 .C72 1999]

Includes definitions of anything and everything that has to do with psychology (1156 pages).

 

Dictionary of Symbols: an Illustrated Guide to Traditional Images, Icons, and Emblems [RR GR931 .T74 1998]

This work is your basic A-Z dictionary, with concise definitions based on traditional interpretations. This work includes "feature panels" throughout, which cover, in greater depth, topics like animals, death, fish, numbers, peace, planets, seasons, and wisdom, as well as many others. There are also numerous illustrations.

 

Dictionary of Symbols and Imagery [RR BL600 .V74]

Contains interpretations (not definitions, really) of a great variety of symbols and imagery, as well as examples of their use in various works.

 

Diccionario de Simbolos Tradicionales. English [RR BL603 .C513 1962]

Presented in the A-Z dictionary form, this work provides clear, insightful definitions/interpretations of a wide variety of symbols. Illustrations are provided throughout as a means of demonstrating the usage of symbols.

 

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols [RR BL603 .C66]

This work is arranged in the basic A-Z encyclopedia form. The entries begin with a basic interpretation of the symbol, and then proceed to briefly describe its basic meaning for different cultures and ethnicities. There aren't as many illustrations as one would expect from an "illustrated" encyclopedia, perhaps one illustration for every four or five entries.

 

Symbolism: a Comprehensive Dictionary [RR BL603 .O38 1986]

This resource is in A-Z dictionary format with a great number of words. Definitions of symbols are brief, with many reading simply as a list of words.

 

Dictionary of Classical Mythology: Symbols, Attributes and Associations [RR BL715 .B44]

Comprised of definitions arranged by Symbols, Attributes, and Associations, Surnames, Epithets, and Patronymics, as well as Heroic Expeditions, and including a Guide to Persona.

 

Buddhism: Flammarion Icononographic Guides [RR BQ5100 .L68 1995]

Comprehensive work outlining the iconography of Buddhism, as well as descriptions of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other religious deities or symbols.

 

Dictionary of Christian Art [RR BV150 .A66 1994]

This work contains concise definitions of symbols, artists, and works in Christian art. Illustrations of the art is interspersed throughout.

 

Christian Symbols, Ancient and Modern: a Handbook [RR BV150 .C53]

Contains an examination of symbols in Christianity, including the cross, images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Trinity, and Good and Evil, as well as various other symbols (see contents).

 

State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols: a Historical Guide [RR E155 .S44 1987]

Contains sections on state names, mottoes, seals, flags, capitols, flowers, trees, birds, and songs. The entries range from concise to in-depth. This work is a useful tool in understanding the iconography of the different states.

 

Atlas of the Early Christian World [RR G1046 .E4 M6 1958]

This work begins with over 30 pages of maps demonstrating the growth of the early Christian church. Three sections describing the early church, including illustrations, follow these maps. The three sections include: The Church of the Martyrs A.D. 30-313, the Church of the Empire A.D. 313-600, and The Fathers of the Church and Early Christian Literature.

 

Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore and Symbols [RR GR35 .J6]

Two-volume set, which includes definitions of mythical characters as well as literary symbols.

 

Dictionnaire des Symboles: Mythes, Reves, Coutumes, Gestes, Formes, Figures, Couleurs, Nombres [RR GR931 .D52 1997]

This work contains a comprehensive collection of symbols, with definitions in French.

 

Holiday Symbols [RR GT3930 .T48 1998]

A self-described "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…around the world." This work is arranged alphabetically by holiday, festival, etc., including a description of each holiday's origins and symbols.

 

Encyclopedia of Christmas: Nearly 200 Alphabetically Arranged Entries Covering all Aspects of Christmas, Including Folk Customs, Religious Observances, History, Legends, Symbols, and Related Days from Europe, America, and Around the World [RR GT4985 .E45 2000]

The name just about says it all.

 

Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art [RR N7560 .H34]

This dictionary contains many detailed definitions of subjects and symbols in art. Illustrations are included throughout.

 

Illustrated Dictionary of Symbols in Eastern and Western Art [RR N7740 .H35 1994]

This resource is divided into seven sections: Abstract Signs, Animals, Artefacts, Earth and Sky, Human Body and Dress, Plants, and Collectives. All entries are accompanied by illustrations, except for those in Collectives. The interpretations are fairly detailed, with many examples of their use around the world.

 

Symbols and Legends in Western Art; a museum Guide [RR N7740 .W63]

 

The Dent Dictionary of Symbols in Christian Art [RR N7825 .S68 1994]

This work is filled with concise definitions of Christian symbols and includes a visual index.

 

Signs & Symbols in Christian Art [RR N7830 .F37]

Includes fifteen sections split categorically, which describe the usage of signs and symbols in Christian art. The interpretations are simple and easily understood. Illustrations appear next to nearly every entry.

 

The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture [RR N7830 .M87 1996]

Follows the basic A-Z encyclopedia format with entries examining characters and stories from the bible as well as works of art and architecture.

 

Encyclopedia of Medieval Church Art [RR N7943 .A1 T3 1993]

This resource is divided into nine sections, including Old Testament, New Testament, St. Mary the Virgin, The Godhead, The Church, Creatures Natural and Mythical, Everyday Scenes, and Stories and Proverbial Sayings. The entries are arranged as interpretations of specific scenes or people, followed by examples from medieval church art.

 

Abbreviations Dictionary [RR PE1693 .D4 2001]

Includes "Signs and Symbols Frequently Used" and various other symbols (see contents).

 

A New Practical Chinese-English Dictionary [RR PL1455 .L5 1973]

This dictionary covers nearly 7,500 Chinese characters, ranging from "classic" Chinese to idioms and slang. The characters are arranged, in Chinese tradition, according to their radicals. The Mandarin Phonetic Symbols are used for pronunciation of the Chinese characters, and the Thomas Wade and Kwoyeu Romatzyh romanizations for those who don't understand the Mandarin Phonetic Symbols.

 

A Dictionary of Literary Symbols [RR PN56 .S9 F47 1999]

Lists various literary symbols alphabetically, defining each and offering examples of their use throughout literature.

 

Medieval Christian Literary Imagery: a Guide to Interpretation [RR PN682 .R4 K4 1988]

This guide introduces and recommends quality sources of interpretation for eight different categories: Biblical Exegesis, The Liturgy, Hymns, Sermons, Visual Arts, Mythography, Commentaries on Major Authors, and Miscellaneous (i.e. Mary, The Cross, Number, and Color).

 

 

Index to Characters in the Performing Arts [RR PN1579 .S45]

This work is divided into two volumes: the first deals with non-musical plays while the second addresses operas, and musical productions. The entries are listed alphabetically with brief descriptions of the character and the production to which they belong.

 

Stedman's Abbrev.: Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols [RR R123 .S78 1999]

This work lays out a large number of abbreviations and acronyms in the basic A-Z format. There are also symbols appendices that covers symbols mostly from the natural sciences.

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