A Dictionary of Allusions (Oxford Quick Reference)

Allusions are a colorful extension of the English Language, drawing on our collective knowledge of literature, mythology, and The Bible give us a literary shorthand for describing people, places, and events.
This completely new reference work explains the meanings of the allusions in use in modern English, from Abaddon to Zorro, Tartarus to Tarzan, and Rubens to Rambo. It is based on an extensive reading program that has identified the most commonly-used allusions. Quotations from a range of authors and sources are included at most entries to illustrate usage--anywhere from Thomas Hardy to Ben Elton, Charles Dickens to 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.

Andrew Delahunty is a freelance lexicographer and dictionary editor. His publications include 'The Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture' (1992), 'The Oxford Guide to English Usage' (with Edmund Weiner, 1994), 'The Longman Business English Dictionary' (2000), and 'The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary' (6th edn, 2000). Sheila Dignen is a freelance lexicographer who has worked on 'The Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture' (1992), 'The Dorling Kindersley Illustrated Children's Dictionary' (1994), 'The Chambers Junior Illustrated Dictionary' (1997), and 'The Longman Business English Dictionary' (2000). Penelope Stock is a freelance lexicographer. She has contributed to 'The Longman New Universal Dictionary' (1982), 'The Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture' (1992), 'The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of English' (1995), and 'the Encarta World English Dictionary' (1999).