Symbol Sourcebook
An Authoritative Guide to International Graphic Symbols

Henry Dreyfuss (Author)

9780471288725, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 1 May 1984

288 pages
27.4 x 21.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.794 kg

"A ready reference aid and an inspiration to designers . All in all the best book now available on symbols."  ―Library Journal

This unparalleled reference represents a major achievement in the field of graphic design.

Famed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss recognized the importance of symbols in communicating more quickly and effectively; for many years he and his staff collected and codified graphic symbols as they are used in all walks of life throughout the world. The result is this "dictionary" of universally used graphic symbols.

Henry Dreyfuss designed this sourcebook to be as practical and easy to use as possible by arranging the symbol information within ingeniously devised sections:

  • Basic Symbols represents a concise and highly selective grouping of symbols common to all disciplines (on-off, up-down, etc.).
  • Disciplines provides symbols used in accommodations and travel, agriculture, architecture, business, communications, engineering, photography, sports, safety, traffic controls, and many other areas.
  • Color lists the meanings of each of the colors in various worldwide applications and cultures.
  • Graphic Form displays symbols from all disciplines grouped according to form (squares, circles, arrows, human figures, etc.).

The Symbol Sourcebook creates a unique way to identify a symbol out of context, as well as giving designers a frame of reference for developing new symbols. To make the sourcebook truly universal, the Table of Contents contains translations of each of the section titles and discipline areas into 17 languages in addition to English.

The Symbol Sourcebook is the quintessential guide to aid all who in reading, travelling, or working come across symbols and need to define them.

Semantography / C.K. Bliss

Isotype / Marie Neurath

Basic symbols

Accommodations and travel including terminals

Agriculture

Agronomy

Livestock and dairy products

Farm structure and lands

Forestry

Implements

Architecture

Drafting

Landscaping and planning

Astronomy

Biology including botany, molecular biology

Business including computers, office equipment, shops and services

Chemistry

Communications including movement and dance, non-graphic alphabets

Engineering: chemical, electrical, mechanical

Folklore

Alchemy

Astrology

Hobo signs

Geography

Geology

Handling of goods

Home economics including appliances

Manufacturing including heavy duty machinery

Mathematics

Medicine including equipment, hospitals

Meteorology

Music

Photography

Physics

Recreation including Olympics

Religion

Safety

Traffic: road, air, marine, rail

Vehicle controls including 3-dimensional shapes

Graphic form

Color

Subject Areas: Industrial / commercial art & design [AK]