For the first time, this incisive and revealing exploration of the meaning, mysteries, and misunderstanding of the most powerful symbol in the history of mankind is available in paperback. The Swastika explores the symbol’s pre-Nazi religious and commercial uses in all of its varied permutations, the Nazi appropriation and misuses of the form, and its contemporary applications as both a racist and an apolitical icon. Tracing the symbol back to its beginnings in antiquity, this volume then goes on to explore the myths and cults of swastika lore and its evolving use as a commercial trademark and logo, and then speculates on the future of the symbol in two final, thought-provoking chapters - The Swastika Revisited: Today and Tomorrow and Hitler’s Children: Rock and Roll.