Peace: The Biography of a Symbol
by Ken Kolsbun
National Geographic HK$260
Those who grew up in the west in the 1960s or 1970s might remember scrawling the circular peace symbol on a school exercise book or a pair of flared Levi's. The symbol, which is both iconic and durable, has been used variously to express anti-nuclear sentiments, anti-war feelings and, more recently, environmental concerns.
Unlike its ideological opposite the swastika - an ancient symbol that has also represented brotherly love at some points in history - the peace logo is a recent invention. This illustrated book by photographer Ken Kolsbun, who has photographed hundreds of peace badges and flags during his career, details the humble sign's evolution into a modern icon.
The title Peace: The Biography of A Symbol is a misnomer and those expecting a work of art history will be disappointed. The book focuses as much on peace movements as the emblem's design and is really an affectionate biography of the counterculture movement that began in America and Europe in the 1950s and gained international prominence in the next decade. Some parts, such as sections on singers Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, don't mention the peace symbol at all. But it is all worthy stuff and it contains some forgotten social history.
Art history-wise, the book's strength is in its photographs, many of which were taken by Kolsbun. Readers can trace the way the sign was adapted for new causes by looking at the pictures.