Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for 100 Symbols That Changed the World by Colin Salter - Available

100 Symbols That Changed the World

by Colin Salter
ebook
1 of 2 copies available
Borrow Read a sample Read a sample
1 of 2 copies available
100 Symbols That Changed The World looks at the genesis and adoption of the world's most recognizable symbols. Universal symbols have been used as a form of communication from the Bronze Age, when the dynasties of ancient Egypt began the evolution of the thousand characters used in Egyptian hieroglyphics. In pre-Columbian America the Mayan civilization set out on a similar course, using pictures as a narrative text. With the adoption of written languages, symbols have come to represent an illustrated shorthand. The dollar sign in America evolved from colonists' trade with the Spanish, and the widespread acceptance of Spanish currency in deals. Merchants' clerks would shorten the repeated entry of "pesos" in their accounts ledgers, which needed to be written with a 'p' and an 's'. A single letter 's' with the vertical stroke of the 'p' was much quicker. Historically correct dollar signs have a single stroke through the 'S'. Symbols are also used to impart quick, recognizable safety advice. The radio activity symbol was designed in Berkley in 1946 to warn of the dangers of radioactive substances – and following the widespread use of gas masks in WWII, the trefoil symbol echoed the shape of the mask. There are many symbols of affiliation, not only to religious groups, but support of political causes or even brand loyalty. Symbols are used for identification, military markings and recognition of compatibility. They allow users to convey a large amount of information in a short space, such as the iconography of maps or an electrical circuit diagram. Symbols are an essential part of the architecture of mathematics. And in the case of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics – the first Games to be held in an Asian country – symbols allowed the organizers to create event signage that wouldn't be lost in translation. The set of Olympic sports pictograms for the Games was a novel solution, and one that was added to in Mexico and Munich. Organized chronologically, 100 Symbols That Changed The World looks at the genesis and adoption of the world's most recognizable symbols.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 13, 2022

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781911682950

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781911682950
      • File size: 96893 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      January 1, 2023

      Nonfiction writer and researcher Salter (Remarkable Bike Rides; 100 Speeches That Roused the World) explores symbols chronologically from ancient marks for musical notation, religious representations (cross; ankh) and mathematics (equals sign; pi) through the 1970 green recycle arrows, the 1991 AIDS red ribbon, and several meanings for rainbows. Some single entries encompass multiple icons (alchemy symbols; naval communication flags), while others follow a symbol's change in associations over time (the swastika's origins are thousands of years old, as a symbol of well-being). Introductory notes briefly discuss how color and shape help symbols quickly and effectively convey information. From the peace symbol and the smiley face to the distinctive skull-and-crossbones of pirate flags and poison warnings, readers will find fascinating tidbits to enjoy. Other books in the series include 100 Science Discoveries That Changed the World, 100 Posters That Changed the World, and 100 Children's Books That Inspire Our World. VERDICT Enjoyable and educational with abundant illustrations. Suggest to middle-grade readers through adults. Recommended for all libraries.--Maggie Knapp

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading
Check Out What's Being Checked Out Right Now