Oxford Dictionary of Phrase, Saying, & Quotation - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0192806505 ISBN 13: 9780192806505

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

Fully revised and updated, the third edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Phrase, Saying & Quotation adds proverbs and sayings from across the world to memorable phrases and quotations from across the centuries. This rich collection is arranged under a wide range of subjects--from Ability to Youth--making it an ideal place to look for an apt or pithy expression, or to explore the background of an extensive selection of related sayings and phrases. With 10% new material, in a new attractive page layout, the third edition includes many new quotations by a wide range of US authors, such as George W. Bush, Bill Gates, Georgia O'Keefe, Dolly Parton, Dan Rather, and Serena Williams.

This new edition of an Oxford classic traces the links between treasured sayings in our language, and explains their varied origins. Oxford's unique language research has identified proverbs from non-Western languages newly adopted into English, and these are featured joining an abundance of well-chosen words from Biblical times to the present day. A full keyword index and generous cross- referencing allow the Oxford Dictionary of Phrase, Saying & Quotation to function both as a look-up resource and a browser's delight.

About this title

About the Author

Susan Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Oxford Quotations Dictionaries, and has previously edited the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, and Oxford Quotations by Subject.

Reviews

Like its predecessors, this revised edition will be well used. It brings together a profusion of proverbs, phrases, and quotations, arranged by subject or themes from Ability to Youth. The design and layout are clear and well organized. More than 12,000 bon mots from around the globe are included, and the origins and links of these treasured sayings in our language are traced through numerous cross-references. When themes are closely related, see also references follow the theme title; for example, "News see also Journalism." Under each theme are separate listings for "Proverbs and Sayings," "Phrases," and "Quotations." Items in the first two listings are arranged alphabetically, while quotations appear in chronological order. Sources are provided when they are known.

Proverbs from non-Western languages that have been adopted into English, for example, the Chinese proverb "Trees planted by the ancestors provide shade for their descendents," are identified and plentiful in this new edition. The cornucopia of well-chosen words is drawn from biblical times to the present. Advertising slogans, television catchphrases, political sayings, and even quotes from video games are included. Modern sayings related to the topic at hand, as well as earlier forms of an adage, have been added to many sections. Quotations have been revised and updated.

Nearly a quarter of the book is the extremely useful keyword index, allowing users to find quotes on many more topics like busy, memories, price, and zeal.Libraries typically carry several quotation and proverb dictionaries, all of which have overlapping and unique entries, and it's important to keep the collection fresh. Since this is the third edition in just 10 years, however, libraries owning previous editions may decide it's not an essential purchase. Susan Awe
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Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192806505
• ISBN 13: 9780192806505
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 720
• Editor: Ratcliffe Susan