Cassell Companion to Quotations

How does the "Companion" differ from ordinary books of quotations? It offers more background information and context so you can better use and appreciate the quote. For example, you won't only get the complete Abbott & Costello "Who's on First?" routine, but the film it appeared in, the year, and when it was revived. From the serious and academic, to the delightful and entertaining, this book finds more ways than ever to make quotations come alive.

A true companion, this reference doesn't just supply quotes in a list by subject but includes extensive explanation of each quote as well. Set up alphabetically by the principally attributed source?people, publications, films, etc.?the quotes cover all eras but concentrate primarily on American, British, and European sources. While it is clear at a glance that this work contains far fewer quotations than other references, most listed were chosen because they have usually been attributed incorrectly, misquoted, or lost in the annals of history, and the majority of quotations are accompanied by numerous annotations. Rees (Cassell Dictionary of Cliches, LJ 5/15/97) enlivens the explanations of attribution, provenance, and ascription with witty and charming writing. It's easy to get lost in the book, especially if you're just flipping through. The downside: It's too short; you get greedy for more! Recommended.?Carol Lezak, General Learning Corp., Northbrook, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This new, unique reference source "seeks to provide the context for, and ancillary information about quotations." Taking nothing for granted, Rees, author, broadcaster, and authority on the popular use of language, highlights quotes that are often misremembered and/or misattributed, pinpoints remarks that are misunderstood, and provides background information to explain or clarify quotations. Rees also supplies needed facts and insights, shows how quotes are and have been used and misused over the ages, and often offers inspired speculation as well.

Unlike many quotation dictionaries, this work is very entertaining and browsable. A detailed index of keywords supplements the alphabetical organization by last name of individuals quoted. Anonymous, of course, encompasses more than 36 pages, and Shakespeare nearly 20 pages. Foreign-language quotes are presented in their original language and then in English. From "We was robbed!" (boxing manager Joe Jacobs) to "Let them eat cake" (under Marie-Antoi-nette, but if she ever did say it she was probably quoting someone else), this collection of problematic, elusive, and intriguing quotations appeals to a wide audience. Recommended for public and academic libraries as a complement to standard quote books.