Skip to main content
M:S3:25 6
Edit position
Edit position

Last set 1 week, 2 days ago. Manual moves override automatic placement until the next shelfie/spine match.

The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima
Diagnose this book
Open in Vernon Browser

The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima

by Manuel Lima

This illustrated study explores the circle's role in human history and information design. It features 300 examples of circular systems, including ancient icons, urban plans, and modern infographics, organised by a structural taxonomy.

Accession 12411 ISBN 9781616895280 Publisher Princeton Architectural Press
Book Images
Reference and live side by side Hover to see live images
Reference
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima spine
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima cover
Live
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima live spine
No live
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima spine The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima live spine
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima cover
No live
TAGS
Curated Derived
Art Communication Culture Design Drawing Linguistics Philosophy Social Sciences Writing
CONNECTIONS
No connections
State
on_shelf
True
position_updated_at
2026-05-15 15:36
orientation
vertical
Details

Physical

binding_type
Hard Back
dimensions
none captured
spine_text
none captured
LOCATION HISTORY
M:S3:25 6 Current vertical
1 week, 2 days ago
Book Location
Updated 1 week, 2 days ago
Vernon snapshot
View live

Frozen copy of Vernon's record from the last sync. Fields tagged → flow back into the Pulse record.

Last synced 2026-05-21 00:57 (4 days, 3 hours ago)

Identity

name→ title
The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima
vernon_id
19537
accession_no→ accession_number
12411
vernon_slug
the-book-of-circles-visualizing-spheres-of-knowledge-manuel-lima

Drives Pulse state

curr_loc_status→ on_shelf
On Shelf
location_name
Zone S3/Level 2 (Mezzanine)/Phrontisterion/MONA
location_reason
On Shelf
isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
9781616895280

Descriptive

production_date
2017
object_type
Books/Document genres/Information forms/Visual and Verbal Communication
object_status
Accessioned
brief_description
Across all regions, cultures, and societies, humans have attributed to the circle ideals of unity, wholeness, infinity, enlightenment, and perfection. We have applied this natural shape to countless manmade systems through the ages, from tools, icons, and writing systems to maps, urban plans, and digital technologies. In The Book of Circles, his companion volume to the popular Book of Trees, Manuel Lima takes us on a lively tour through millennia of information design. Three hundred detailed and colourful illustrations cover an encyclopaedic array of subjects, drawing fascinating parallels across time and culture. The clay tokens used by ancient Sumerians as a system of recording trade are juxtaposed with the logos of modern retailers like Target; Venn diagrams are discussed side by side with symbols of the Christian trinity, the trefoil shape of the biohazard symbol, and the Olympic rings; a diagram revealing the characteristics of 10,000 porn stars displays structural similarities to early celestial charts placing the earth at the centre of the universe. Lima's introduction provides an authoritative description of the circle's symbolism and uses through history, and a preface describes his unique taxonomy of the many varieties of circle diagrams, rounding out this visual feast for infographic enthusiasts. -- Trove.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Manuel Lima
tags→ tags
Art, Arts, Art, Modern -- 21st century, Graphic arts, Drawing, Social sciences, Civilisation, Sociology, Language and languages, Communication, Design, Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.), Conceptual art, Art -- History, Semantics, Signs and symbols, Visual communication, Graphic design (Typography), Geometrical drawing, Semiotics, Circle in art, Graphic methods
subject_people
—
subject_objects
—

Cover image

vernon_cover_image_id→ cover_image
28746

Raw Vernon JSON

click to inspect

The source payload behind the snapshot above.
Use ⌘F to search once expanded.
{7 keys}
"slug": "the-book-of-circles-visualizing-spheres-of-knowledge-manuel-lima"
"opacObjectId": "19537"
"opacCollection": {1 keys}
"opacCollectionId": "1"
"imagesCollection": {2 keys}
"images": [1 items]
"[0]": {5 keys}
"imageId": "28746"
"cssColors": [4 items]
"[0]": {9 keys}
"hex": "696969"
"hue": 0
"rank": 1
"presence": 52.79
"colorName": "dimgray"
"lightness": 41
"colorGroup": "gray"
"saturation": 0
"formattedColorName": "dim gray"
"[1]": {9 keys}
"hex": "dcdcdc"
"hue": 0
"rank": 2
"presence": 23.25
"colorName": "gainsboro"
"lightness": 86
"colorGroup": "gray"
"saturation": 0
"formattedColorName": "gainsboro"
"[2]": {9 keys}
"hex": "d2b48c"
"hue": 34
"rank": 3
"presence": 9.16
"colorName": "tan"
"lightness": 69
"colorGroup": "brown"
"saturation": 44
"formattedColorName": "tan"
"[3]": {9 keys}
"hex": "708090"
"hue": 210
"rank": 4
"presence": 5.83
"colorName": "slategray"
"lightness": 50
"colorGroup": "gray"
"saturation": 13
"formattedColorName": "slate gray"
"rawColors": [7 items]
"[0]": {6 keys}
"hex": "7f796a"
"hue": 42
"rank": 1
"presence": 52.79
"lightness": 45
"saturation": 9
"[1]": {6 keys}
"hex": "eae9e4"
"hue": 50
"rank": 2
"presence": 23.25
"lightness": 90
"saturation": 12
"[2]": {6 keys}
"hex": "d0ac88"
"hue": 30
"rank": 3
"presence": 9.16
"lightness": 67
"saturation": 43
"[3]": {6 keys}
"hex": "303a34"
"hue": 144
"rank": 4
"presence": 5.83
"lightness": 20
"saturation": 9
"[4]": {6 keys}
"hex": "41393b"
"hue": 345
"rank": 5
"presence": 6.06
"lightness": 23
"saturation": 6
"[5]": {6 keys}
"hex": "b4bea0"
"hue": 80
"rank": 6
"presence": 0.94
"lightness": 68
"saturation": 18
"[6]": {6 keys}
"hex": "4a3926"
"hue": 31
"rank": 7
"presence": 1.98
"lightness": 21
"saturation": 32
"imageLabels": [10 items]
"[0]": {5 keys}
"count": 719
"score": 81.83
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Line"
"imageLabelId": 199
"[1]": {5 keys}
"count": 19411
"score": 80.07
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Font"
"imageLabelId": 12
"[2]": {5 keys}
"count": 358
"score": 79.6
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Urban design"
"imageLabelId": 251
"[3]": {5 keys}
"count": 3297
"score": 76.13
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Circle"
"imageLabelId": 8
"[4]": {5 keys}
"count": 5578
"score": 75.45
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Pattern"
"imageLabelId": 24
"[5]": {5 keys}
"count": 971
"score": 69.32
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Terrestrial plant"
"imageLabelId": 193
"[6]": {5 keys}
"count": 797
"score": 68.26
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Design"
"imageLabelId": 264
"[7]": {5 keys}
"count": 5931
"score": 65.93
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Illustration"
"imageLabelId": 25
"[8]": {5 keys}
"count": 11006
"score": 64.98
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Art"
"imageLabelId": 4
"[9]": {5 keys}
"count": 2193
"score": 64.58
"status": "auto_verified"
"imageLabel": "Magenta"
"imageLabelId": 30
"imageDerivatives": [6 items]
"[0]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/large/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "653"
"height": "800"
"identifier": "LARGE"
"[1]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/medium/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "327"
"height": "400"
"identifier": "MEDIUM"
"[2]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/nano/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "29"
"height": "35"
"identifier": "NANO"
"[3]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/small/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "122"
"height": "150"
"identifier": "SMALL"
"[4]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/tiny/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "61"
"height": "75"
"identifier": "TINY"
"[5]": {4 keys}
"url": "https://browser.mona.net.au/records/images/xlarge/18025/1e17387a403ff03db21ffc2a729d25e2ebf34a70.jpg"
"width": "980"
"height": "1200"
"identifier": "XLARGE"
"totalImages": 1
"objectSearchScore": 0.3118719
"opacObjectFieldSets": [40 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "accession_no"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "12411"
"[1]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "name"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "title"
"value": "The book of circles : visualizing spheres of knowledge / Manuel Lima"
"[2]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "other_name"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[3]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "artist_last_first"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Lima, Manuel"
"[4]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "prod_pri_date"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "2017"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [2 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "earliest_date"
"value": "2017-01-01Z"
"[1]": {2 keys}
"key": "latest_date"
"value": "2017-12-31Z"
"[5]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "prod_pri_date_notes"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[6]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "edition"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "First edition"
"[7]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "brief_desc"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Across all regions, cultures, and societies, humans have attributed to the circle ideals of unity, wholeness, infinity, enlightenment, and perfection. We have applied this natural shape to countless manmade systems through the ages, from tools, icons, and writing systems to maps, urban plans, and digital technologies. In The Book of Circles, his companion volume to the popular Book of Trees, Manuel Lima takes us on a lively tour through millennia of information design. Three hundred detailed and colourful illustrations cover an encyclopaedic array of subjects, drawing fascinating parallels across time and culture. The clay tokens used by ancient Sumerians as a system of recording trade are juxtaposed with the logos of modern retailers like Target; Venn diagrams are discussed side by side with symbols of the Christian trinity, the trefoil shape of the biohazard symbol, and the Olympic rings; a diagram revealing the characteristics of 10,000 porn stars displays structural similarities to early celestial charts placing the earth at the centre of the universe. Lima's introduction provides an authoritative description of the circle's symbolism and uses through history, and a preface describes his unique taxonomy of the many varieties of circle diagrams, rounding out this visual feast for infographic enthusiasts. -- Trove."
"[8]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "measure_desc"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[9]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "credit_line"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[10]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "curr_loc_status"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "On Shelf"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "curr_loc_status:"On Shelf""
"[11]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "ob_status"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Accessioned"
"[12]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "lender"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[13]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "copyright_owner"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[14]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "copyright_type"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[15]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "copyright_start"
"opacObjectFields": [0 items]
"[16]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "copyright_expiry"
"opacObjectFields": [0 items]
"[17]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "copyright_notes"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[18]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "curr_loc"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Zone S3/Level 2 (Mezzanine)/Phrontisterion/MONA"
"[19]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "object_type"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "Books/Document genres/Information forms/Visual and Verbal Communication"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "object_type:"Books/Document genres/Information forms/Visual and Verbal Communication""
"[20]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "collection"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "Main Collection/Library"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "collection:"Main Collection/Library""
"[21]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "prod_pri_place"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "New York City/New York/United States of America"
"[22]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "prod_pri_publisher"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Princeton Architectural Press"
"[23]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "physical_notes"
"opacObjectFields": [2 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "271 pages : illustrations (chiefly colour) ; 28 cm."
"[1]": {1 keys}
"value": "Includes bibliographic references and index."
"[24]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "language"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "English"
"[25]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "isbn_issn"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "9781616895280"
"[26]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "user_sym_1"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "302.2223 LIM"
"[27]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "usual_loc_being"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": "Zone S3/Level 2 (Mezzanine)/Phrontisterion/MONA"
"[28]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_class"
"opacObjectFields": [10 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"value": "Art -- History/Arts"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Art -- History/Arts""
"[1]": {2 keys}
"value": "Circle in art"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Circle in art""
"[2]": {2 keys}
"value": "Conceptual art/Art, Modern -- 21st century"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Conceptual art/Art, Modern -- 21st century""
"[3]": {2 keys}
"value": "Design/Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)/Art/Arts"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Design/Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)/Art/Arts""
"[4]": {2 keys}
"value": "Graphic arts/Art/Arts"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Graphic arts/Art/Arts""
"[5]": {2 keys}
"value": "Graphic design (Typography)/Design/Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)/Art/Arts"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Graphic design (Typography)/Design/Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.)/Art/Arts""
"[6]": {2 keys}
"value": "Graphic methods/Geometrical drawing/Drawing/Graphic arts/Art/Arts"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Graphic methods/Geometrical drawing/Drawing/Graphic arts/Art/Arts""
"[7]": {2 keys}
"value": "Semiotics/Semantics/Language and languages/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Semiotics/Semantics/Language and languages/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation""
"[8]": {2 keys}
"value": "Signs and symbols/Visual communication/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Signs and symbols/Visual communication/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation""
"[9]": {2 keys}
"value": "Visual communication/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation"
"opacObjectFieldAttributes": [1 items]
"[0]": {2 keys}
"key": "search"
"value": "subject_class:"Visual communication/Communication/Sociology/Social sciences/Civilisation""
"[29]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_date"
"opacObjectFields": [0 items]
"[30]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_event"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[31]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_period"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[32]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_object"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[33]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_person"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[34]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "subject_place"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[35]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "assoc_person"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[36]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "assoc_place"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[37]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "assoc_event"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[38]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "assoc_object"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"[39]": {2 keys}
"identifier": "user_sym_9"
"opacObjectFields": [1 items]
"[0]": {1 keys}
"value": ""
"relationshipsCollection": {2 keys}
"relationships": [1 items]
"[0]": {4 keys}
"relatedRecords": [1 items]
"[0]": {3 keys}
"slug": "manuel-lima"
"title": "Manuel Lima"
"relatedRecordId": "13248"
"relationshipId": "object_prod_pri_person"
"relatedRecordType": "person"
"totalRelatedRecords": 1
"totalRelationships": 1