"The beautifully depicted signs, symbols, and objects in this work by astrologer Bartlett ( Tarot Bible ) illustrate 100 attempts to make sense of the world and our place in it. They are divided equally among chapters that cover "The Natural World," "The Divine World," "Signs and Systems," and "The Mystic World." The introduction explains what symbols are and their importance throughout history. It outlines the coverage in the book and discusses the "catalog pages" that illustrate groups of 12 symbols from various traditions. The entries that follow generally portray on a two-page spread each, an item and its history, handprints on cave walls in Argentina, the breastplate of Aaron, ­Vitruvian Man. Several entries address a type of item, such as tefillin (phylacteries worn by Jews), playing cards, or Fibonacci series. In many cases the book goes into extra detail. The summary on the Hindu elephant-headed god Ganesha, for example, is accompanied by information on Kangi-ten, a Japanese pair of gods that are male and female ­elephants, and followed by pages on Hindu deities generally.

Entries are accompanied by vivid reproductions of artworks. The accompanying captions provide basic facts on the items, though the descriptions are at times quite general rather than offering thorough explanations on the particular object shown. Since the spreads are fascinating but brief, some may wish for further reading advice that is unfortunately lacking. Still, this is a wonderful browse and a great jumping-off point for reports on history, mythology, and religion. ­ VERDICT Books on 100 objects of various kinds are common now yet usually address history rather than signs and symbols. This is therefore a worthwhile addition to public library reference shelves." - Library Journal.