The word symbol is derived from the Greek, symbolon, and is a graphic sign for an idea, concept, or object. The oldest were of the five basic elements: fire, water, earth, sun, and wind, which evolved into elaborate Egyptian hieroglyphics. Despite alphabets and languages, symbols continue to develop and evolve in every culture. Featuring over 300 color photographs, Symbols looks at the meaning of over 1,000 signs, categorized into esoteric, ideology, philosophy, religion, and science.