By Orith Kolodny, Author. Journey around the world through 199 flags! This striking visual book explores the shapes, figures, and colors of flag design. Whether a national flag features vertical stripes or horizontal ones, two colors or more, symbols drawn from nature or from history—each detail of its design is intentional and loaded with meaning. Graphic designer Orith Kolodny demystifies the recurring colors and visual components of national flags. Through the study of flag design, this book shows that countries with vastly different climates and cultures often have more in common than one might expect. The book is organized by design rather than geography and divided into categories such as stripes, diagonal lines, triangles, circles, crosses, and natural forms (like suns, moons, stars, and trees). A stylish introduction to the iconography of independence. For ages 9 and up.