Symbols in Literature, Myth,
Folklore,
and Art
The following will help in your research on the meaning of
various literary symbols. Most are in the reference area of the
library (indicated with REF before the dewey decimal number.)
Those in the general stacks are so noted. See a reference librarian
for help finding other resources on specific works, themes, and
symbols.
Opie, Iona and Moira Tatem (eds.). Dictionary of Superstitions. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989. (REF 001.9603 Op3d)
Frazer, Sir James George. The New Golden Bough: A New Abridgment of the Classic Work. New York: S. G. Phillips, 1959. (REF 291 F869n)
Frazer, Sir James George. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion. 3rd ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1966. (291.13 F869g3 -- Note: General Stacks)
Andrews, Tamra. Dictionary of Nature Myths. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. (REF 291.212 An276l)
De Gubernatis, Angelo. Zoological Mythology. London: Trubner & Co., 1872. (reissued by Singing Tree Press, Detroit, 1968). (REF 291.212 G932z)
Becker, Udo. The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols. New York: Continuum, 1994. (REF 302.222 B388e)
Biedermann, Hans. Dictionary of Symbolism. New York: Facts On File, 1992. (REF 302.222 B475k)
Bruce-Mitford, Miranda. The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols: Thousands of Signs and Symbols from Around the World. New York: DK Publishing, 1996. (REF 302.222 B83i)
Chevalier, Jean and Alain Gheerbrant. Penguin Dictionary of Symbols. New York: Penguin, 1994. (REF 302.222 C427d 1996)
Cooper, J. C. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols. London: Thames & Hudson, 1982. (REF 302.222 C786I)
Olderr, Steven. Symbolism: A Comprehensive Dictionary. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland, 1986. (REF 302.222 Ol1s 1986)
Tresidder, Jack. Dictionary of Symbols: An Illustrated Guide to Traditional Images, Icons, and Emblems. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1998. (REF 302.222 T724d)
Walker, Barbara G. The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols & Sacred Objects. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988. (REF 302.222 W151w)
Shepher, Rowena and Rupert. 1000 Symbols: What Shapes Mean in Art and Myth. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2002. (REF 302.2223 Sh487o)
Stevens, Anthony. Ariadne's Clue: A Guide to the Symbols of Humankind. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999. (REF 302.2223 St471a)
Katz, Solomon H. and William Weaver. Encyclopedia of Food and Culture. New York: Scribner, 2003. (REF 394.1203 En195)
Green, Thomas A. (ed.). Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Beliefs, Customs, Tales, Music, and Art. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 1997. (REF 398.03 F719)
Leach, Maria (ed.). Funk and Wagnall's Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. New York: HarperCollins, 1984. (REF 398.03 F963 1984)
Jobes, Gertrude. Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore and Symbols. New York: Scarecrow Press, 1962. (REF 398.03 J576)
Lindahl, Carl, et al (eds.). Medieval Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Myths, Legends, Tales, Beliefs, anad Customs. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2000. (REF 398.03 M468)
Thomas Joyce. Inside the Wolf's Belly: Aspects of the Fairy Tale. Sheffield: Sheffield University Press, 1989. (398.21 T364I -- Note: General Stacks)
Jackson, Guida M. Encyclopedia of Traditional Epics. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 1994. (REF 398.22 J134e)
Andrews, Tamra. Nectar and Ambrosia: An Encyclopedia of Food in World Mythology. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2000. (REF 398.27 An276n)
Radford, E. and M. A. Radford. Encyclopedia of Superstitions. Chester Springs, Pennsylvania: Dufour Editions, 1961. (REF 398.3703 R118e)
Roberts, Helene E. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Comparative Iconography. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn, 1998. (REF 704.9 En19)
Ferber, Michael. A Dictionary of Literary Symbols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. (REF 809.915 F373d)
Strayer, Joseph. Dictionary of the Middle Ages. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1982. (REF 909.07 St82d)
Irvine, Martin and Deborah Everhart. Labyrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies. Available: http://labyrinth.georgetown.edu/ (1994-2001) [accessed 10/24/01].
Jokinen, Anniina. Luminarium. Available: http://www.luminarium.org/lumina.htm (1996 - 2001) [accessed 10/24/01].
Protas, Allison, et al. Dictionary of Symbolism. Available: http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/ (? - 2001) [accessed 10/24/01].