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The Book of Signs by Rudolf Koch ā˛¤ Dover Publications Inc 1955
The Book of Signs by Rudolf Koch Dover Publications Inc 1955
Title: The Book of Signs Which Contains All Manner Of Symbols From The Earliest Times To The Middle Ages By Primitive People And Early Christians
Author: Rudolf Koch
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Dover Publications Inc 1955
Size: 6.25 x 9.5 * 104 pages
Synopsis: AI Overview: This book by renowned German typographer Rudolf Koch is a comprehensive visual reference and historical guide to 493 symbols used from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
Rather than a narrative, the book serves as a "graphic history" of written communication, providing insight into how primitive and medieval minds used visual marks to express complex psychological and spiritual concepts.
Key Features & Content
ā€¢Classified Symbols: The book organizes 493 documented illustrations into 14 distinct categories, including:
Christian Iconography: The Cross, Monograms of Christ (Chrismons), and other religious signs.
Esoteric & Scientific: Astrological, astronomical, chemical, and botanical signs, along with medieval runes.
Social & Functional: Stonemasons' marks, house and holding marks, and monograms of medieval leaders.
Elemental: Symbols for the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water).
ā€¢Explanatory Text: Each symbol is accompanied by a brief explanation of its history, cultural significance, and symbolic meaning.
ā€¢Artistic Value: The illustrations were redrawn by Koch and cut on wood by Fritz Kredel, emphasizing both their historical accuracy and their "visual beauty" as decorative elements.
Intended Audience
The book is widely considered an essential resource for:
ā€¢Graphic Designers and Typographers seeking inspiration for branding, logo design, or decorative work.
ā€¢Historians and Artists interested in the evolution of visual language and iconography.
ā€¢Researchers exploring the intersection of art, religion, and psychology through history.
Overall Condition: Acceptable: The book has obvious wear. It has some wear to the cover, but its integrity is intact. The spine is cracked adjacent to the last page. There is no writing in the margins or underlining and highlighting of text, and there are no missing pages or anything that would compromise the legibility or understanding of the text. See images.
2026--U.S. shipping for this (One Pound Media Mail) is $4.39 with tracking.
Multiple items will be combined for the lowest shipping price.
International Shipping cost is based on the destination so inquire before buying. Mobile users must scroll to the bottom and click on 'use desktop site' to bring up the Ask a Question link which sends me an email.
(PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.)
==========================================================================================================================
Just about all the books are USED books. Some have been used more gently than others. Some have been in libraries and have typical library extras. Some are so old and/or interesting that they are being offered for the sake of preservation regardless of the condition they are in. If the condition of the book is very important to you, please feel free to click the 'Ask seller a question' link and I will tell you more.
=========================================================================================
Title: The Book of Signs Which Contains All Manner Of Symbols From The Earliest Times To The Middle Ages By Primitive People And Early Christians
Author: Rudolf Koch
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Dover Publications Inc 1955
Size: 6.25 x 9.5 * 104 pages
Synopsis: AI Overview: This book by renowned German typographer Rudolf Koch is a comprehensive visual reference and historical guide to 493 symbols used from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
Rather than a narrative, the book serves as a "graphic history" of written communication, providing insight into how primitive and medieval minds used visual marks to express complex psychological and spiritual concepts.
Key Features & Content
ā€¢Classified Symbols: The book organizes 493 documented illustrations into 14 distinct categories, including:
Christian Iconography: The Cross, Monograms of Christ (Chrismons), and other religious signs.
Esoteric & Scientific: Astrological, astronomical, chemical, and botanical signs, along with medieval runes.
Social & Functional: Stonemasons' marks, house and holding marks, and monograms of medieval leaders.
Elemental: Symbols for the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water).
ā€¢Explanatory Text: Each symbol is accompanied by a brief explanation of its history, cultural significance, and symbolic meaning.
ā€¢Artistic Value: The illustrations were redrawn by Koch and cut on wood by Fritz Kredel, emphasizing both their historical accuracy and their "visual beauty" as decorative elements.
Intended Audience
The book is widely considered an essential resource for:
ā€¢Graphic Designers and Typographers seeking inspiration for branding, logo design, or decorative work.
ā€¢Historians and Artists interested in the evolution of visual language and iconography.
ā€¢Researchers exploring the intersection of art, religion, and psychology through history.
Overall Condition: Acceptable: The book has obvious wear. It has some wear to the cover, but its integrity is intact. The spine is cracked adjacent to the last page. There is no writing in the margins or underlining and highlighting of text, and there are no missing pages or anything that would compromise the legibility or understanding of the text. See images.
2026--U.S. shipping for this (One Pound Media Mail) is $4.39 with tracking.
Multiple items will be combined for the lowest shipping price.
International Shipping cost is based on the destination so inquire before buying. Mobile users must scroll to the bottom and click on 'use desktop site' to bring up the Ask a Question link which sends me an email.
(PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S.)
==========================================================================================================================
Just about all the books are USED books. Some have been used more gently than others. Some have been in libraries and have typical library extras. Some are so old and/or interesting that they are being offered for the sake of preservation regardless of the condition they are in. If the condition of the book is very important to you, please feel free to click the 'Ask seller a question' link and I will tell you more.
=========================================================================================
