This is the first dictionary of symbols to be based on literature rather thanuniversal psychological archetypes or myths. It explains and illustrates theliterar... » 

This is the first dictionary of symbols to be based on literature rather thanuniversal psychological archetypes or myths. It explains and illustrates theliterary symbols that we all frequently encounter such as swan rose moongold and gives hundreds of crossreferences and quotations. The dictionaryconcentrates on English literature but its entries range widely from the Bibleand classical authors to the twentieth century taking in American and Europeanliteratures. For this new edition Michael Ferber has included over twentycompletely new entries including bear holly sunflower and tower and hasadded to many of the existing entries. Enlarged and enriched from the firstedition its informed style and rich references make this book an essentialtool not only for literary and classical scholars but for all students ofliterature. «