Symbols exert a strong hold in the 21st century and have done so for thousands of years. From national emblems to corporate logos and emojis, our everyday lives are filled with icons that have their roots in the distant past. Expert art historian Matthew Wilson traces the often surprising trajectories that symbols have followed throughout history, from their original purposes to their modern meanings, identifying the common themes and ideas that link seemingly disparate cultures. Thus we find the falcon as a symbol of authority from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to medieval aristocracy; the dog as a stalwart companion from classical times to the Renaissance; and the mythical phoenix as a symbol of female power connecting an English queen with a Chinese goddess. From Palaeolithic cave paintings to contemporary works of art, Wilson deftly guides us through this world of symbols, showing their enduring ability to express power, hope, fear and faith, and to create and communicate identities, uniting - or dividing - the peoples who created them.

Publisher: Folioscopio