The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs (Facts on File Library of Language and Literature) - Hardcover

Manser, Martin H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816046077 ISBN 13: 9780816046072

Publisher: Facts on File, 2002

Synopsis

Traces the meaning and origins of more than 1,500 commonly known proverbs, presenting an alphabetized listing that includes recording dates, variant forms, and usage examples.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 5 Up-A handy reference book containing more than 1500 pithy and familiar sayings from ancient times through to the present day. Each alphabetically arranged expression is printed in boldface and followed by a short explanation of its meaning, an example from literature or elsewhere, mention of its origin and variants, and the year it was first recorded, if known. Cross-references and proverbs with similar or different meanings are included when appropriate. Indexes by keyword and by theme complete the work. Informative and easy to use for assignments and for browsing, this is a fine example of the adage, "a book is like a garden carried in the pocket."-Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This attractive and useful resource book focuses on commonly used expressions in the English language and in English literature. There is no attempt to be culturally inclusive. Each entry is arranged alphabetically on a two-column page. The boldface proverb precedes a concisely written definition and factually documented origin of the saying. There's no rose without a thorn typifies the basic structure of each entry: namely, definition, example of use, origins, variant expressions, cross-references, and proverbs with similar or opposite meanings. Each entry varies in length according to available source material and popularity of expression.

The editorial consistency is rare and a credit to the skillful selection and editing techniques of Manser, who also compiled The Facts On File Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases [RBB Ag 02], among other works. An index of key words and an index of themes complete this valuable addition to the Facts On File Library of Language and Literature, which is recommended for public and academic libraries. Libraries looking for a more comprehensive guide can turn to Wolfgang Mieder's A Dictionary of American Proverbs (Oxford, 1991), with approximately 15,000 entries, while those who want representation of other cultures should consider the Cassell Dictionary of Proverbs (1998) or Multicultural Dictionary of Proverbs (McFarland, 1997). RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Facts on File
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816046077
• ISBN 13: 9780816046072
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384
• Editor: Fergusson Rosalind