This work brings together the research on spades conducted so far by Maurizio Duse. It is intended to contribute to the public understanding of these objects, even if the approach proposed is merely subjective. In terms of form and content, the book is divided into two sections. In the first part, the author presents the spade as a concrete object. Spades are categorised and described according to various criteria: type of blade, material, use, functions, evolution. The second part of the book is dedicated to metaphors, symbols and archetypes attached to spades around the world. In particular, the author claims that spades may be interpreted as symbols of creation, justice, honour, sacredness, fight against the evil, to name just a few. In order to summarise the two sections, the author also provides with two conceptual maps.