---
product_id: 316114759
title: "Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained"
price: "R719"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/316114759-signs-and-symbols-of-the-world-over-1-001-visual
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained

**Price:** R719
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

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- **What is this?** Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained
- **How much does it cost?** R719 with free shipping
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## Description

Buy Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained by McElroy, D.R. (ISBN: 9780785839651) from desertcart's Book Store. Free UK delivery on eligible orders.

Review: Journey to the Centre of Alchemy, Mythology and Medicine - Signs and Symbols of the World (by D.R. McElroy, out in May, 2020 by Wellfleet Press) is the perfect book to escape the lockdown by getting absorbed in the world of language, culture, mythology, alchemy, astrology and medicine. As every good source book, Signs and Symbols of the World starts with definitions: the difference between an ideogram vs a pictogram, amulet and emblem. Not only does the book explain the origin of signs and symbols, but it also describes the wider historical context of the time when the symbols were born. The book also dispels some misinformation such as the confusion between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus (in the book the explanation is further supported by a small illustration, which makes it easy to understand the reason for the confusion). Being extra grateful to the NHS (and many more industries) during lockdown, what’s more current than discussing medical symbolism as an example from the book. The caduceus (on the left) is assumed to be the symbol of the medical profession. However, historically, it was the Rod of Asclepius (on the right) that stood for healing. There are wings on the caduceus because they represent Hermes, the winged messenger to the gods. The Rod of Asclepius, on the other hand, pays homage to the god of healing, Asklepius (written with a ‘k’). There is so much more to discover in this book, from the rationale behind the representation of our astrological sign, through military designations to the Druid alphabet. And the list goes on; just to give a flavour of this list, consider chapters such as Ancient and Modern Civilisations, Currency, Manufacturing, Music, Sigils and Paganism and even Digital. 255 pages of exciting discovery into the intrinsic world of symbols and signs.
Review: Highly recommended - An informative and interesting book full of lovely illustrations and facts. I learned a lot and I loved it. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | 1,169,197 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 820 in Language Communication Reference 828 in Mathematics References 1,301 in Religious Studies Encyclopaedias |
| Customer reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (223) |
| Dimensions  | 20.45 x 2.16 x 25.4 cm |
| ISBN-10  | 0785839658 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0785839651 |
| Item weight  | 839 g |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 256 pages |
| Publication date  | 31 Aug. 2021 |
| Publisher  | Chartwell Books |

## Images

![Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319OruKHCLS.jpg)
![Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41H8BTbCfpS.jpg)
![Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41k85+Lf91S.jpg)
![Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TyZQiw3pL.jpg)
![Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VJXZ+oOFS.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Journey to the Centre of Alchemy, Mythology and Medicine
*by E***B on 10 May 2020*

Signs and Symbols of the World (by D.R. McElroy, out in May, 2020 by Wellfleet Press) is the perfect book to escape the lockdown by getting absorbed in the world of language, culture, mythology, alchemy, astrology and medicine. As every good source book, Signs and Symbols of the World starts with definitions: the difference between an ideogram vs a pictogram, amulet and emblem. Not only does the book explain the origin of signs and symbols, but it also describes the wider historical context of the time when the symbols were born. The book also dispels some misinformation such as the confusion between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus (in the book the explanation is further supported by a small illustration, which makes it easy to understand the reason for the confusion). Being extra grateful to the NHS (and many more industries) during lockdown, what’s more current than discussing medical symbolism as an example from the book. The caduceus (on the left) is assumed to be the symbol of the medical profession. However, historically, it was the Rod of Asclepius (on the right) that stood for healing. There are wings on the caduceus because they represent Hermes, the winged messenger to the gods. The Rod of Asclepius, on the other hand, pays homage to the god of healing, Asklepius (written with a ‘k’). There is so much more to discover in this book, from the rationale behind the representation of our astrological sign, through military designations to the Druid alphabet. And the list goes on; just to give a flavour of this list, consider chapters such as Ancient and Modern Civilisations, Currency, Manufacturing, Music, Sigils and Paganism and even Digital. 255 pages of exciting discovery into the intrinsic world of symbols and signs.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended
*by A***A on 10 May 2020*

An informative and interesting book full of lovely illustrations and facts. I learned a lot and I loved it. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fascinating reference book
*by A***Y on 2 April 2022*

A really fascinating reference book, with so much info packed in across a huge variety symbols from the well-known to the more obscure. Felt like more of a reference book, though anyone with a great interest in this subject might enjoy a cover to cover read! But plenty of scope for students, researchers and enthusiasts to find something they need here. Liked the writing style, the layout and all the imagery, so overall a great book!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Signs & Symbols of the World: Over 1,001 Visual Signs Explained
- Signs and Symbols: An Illustrated Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-03-09*