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Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful, comprehensive resource!
Review: I refer to the Dictionary of Symbolism so often that I always keep it close at hand. It is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in mythology, Jungian dream analysis, biblical symbolism, cross-cultural meanings and myths, the history of symbols, etc. This is no simple listing of symbolic meanings -- it is a substantial book with extensive information on each entry, very often with illustrations. For example, someone mentioned the "Chicken Little" story recently, and I looked up the word "hen." There I found an entry describing both the positive and negative symbolism of hens as protective mothers and also as foolish, confused birds, with two illustrations and information from Matthew, Africa and Europe. I was surprised to find so much. On the same day I looked up Prometheus, Mercury and "rock." Not only are the entries detailed, but there are an enormous number of them. The index at the back is a great cross-listing. Unfortunately, for every symbol in the universe to be listed, there would need to be several volumes. But for a single volume, this one is pretty comprehensive.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, comprehensive resource!
Review: I refer to the Dictionary of Symbolism so often that I always keep it close at hand. It is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in mythology, Jungian dream analysis, biblical symbolism, cross-cultural meanings and myths, the history of symbols, etc. This is no simple listing of symbolic meanings -- it is a substantial book with extensive information on each entry, very often with illustrations. For example, someone mentioned the "Chicken Little" story recently, and I looked up the word "hen." There I found an entry describing both the positive and negative symbolism of hens as protective mothers and also as foolish, confused birds, with two illustrations and information from Matthew, Africa and Europe. I was surprised to find so much. On the same day I looked up Prometheus, Mercury and "rock." Not only are the entries detailed, but there are an enormous number of them. The index at the back is a great cross-listing. Unfortunately, for every symbol in the universe to be listed, there would need to be several volumes. But for a single volume, this one is pretty comprehensive.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating for history; a drag for dream interpretation.
Review: If you're a history buff and enjoy long-winded explanations about symbols/symbolism, then mark this book down on your list of essential reading materials. This book gives depth to the symbols it covers, and would be a great reference for individuals doing research. In addition, there are a multitude of wonderful pictures to accompany most, if not all, of the symbols Mr. Biedermann covers. I have also read "Encyclopedia of Symbols" by Mr. Todeshi. Sure, it lacks the meat that "Dictionary" adds to each of its subjects, but, instead, it covers those same physical symbols in a more generic fashion and adds explanations of actions-based symbolism associated with them. "Dictionary of Symbolism" is, indeed, a wonderful text, and, I think, would satisfy the hunger of any individual who seeks the story behind some of the most prominent symbols throughout history. However, for dream interpretation purposes, I would only recommend it as guide to accompany Kevin Todeshi's "Encyclopedia of Symbolism", and only if you absolutely think you should have more than just a general understanding of what these symbols mean.
Rating: 
Summary: I agree.
Review: This book is full of interesting information on symbolism from throughout history, from many cultures. It has a very extensive dictionary from A to Z of symbolism and cultural icons, with quite a few illustrations. In the back there is also a Pictorial Index of symbols along with page numbers to help make searching for them easier.
Rating:
Summary: Invaluable research tool...
Review: This is an essential lexicon for the numerous symbols and cultural icons that have appeared or have their origins mainly in the western tradition. After reading the many definitions, it dawned on me that many symbols are simply misunderstood by popular culture and used in the wrong context. This text also takes the meaning of certain symbols and traces their root derivations, showing that meaning changes as the culture changes; and that different cultures use the same icon or symbol for entirely different purposes. Because our world is rife with signifiers, it would be a daunting task indeed to provide a comprehensive collection. Though what Biedermann has done is capture those symbols and icons that he believes have been the most significant throughout western civilization. A good example of a symbol that has been appropriated is the swastika. Anyone seeing this symbol in present time will associate it with Adolf Hitler's Nazi party. However this symbol has it roots from a pre-Aryan civilization, Mohenjo-Daro, circa 2000 B.C., in ancient China. It was also seen in old Buddhist traditions and certain Gnostic sects in late antiquity. This important text would be invaluable in any researcher's library as it contains nearly 600 entries and over 2000 symbols. Highly recommended for students of history, religion and philosophy.
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