Customer Reviews

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable (Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable)

5 star:		(8)
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This book is simply one of the best dictionaries of its kind ever to have been published, and, I might add, Brewer's work has already become a classic. It contains a wealth of entries from divers areas, including mythology, history, classics, language, as well as common sayings, phrases and legends. Useful as a reference though it is, this dictionary is eminently suited to a casual browse, which one will invariably find interesting, entertaining and edifying, containing many obscure tidbits of trivia that catches one's eyes. This edition, unfortunately, omits a few entries that were present in previous editions, and this is a sad loss, but, all in all, the book is worth every penny, and is a valuable reference on anyone's bookshelf, especially to those with literary pretensions.

A must-have reference book for every shelf. Contains answers to the most arcane questions you might ask - be they profound or prosaic. Entries range from the derivation of well-known colloquial phrases to lengthy entries on figures from mythology, as well as origins of superstitions and beliefs. First published, we are told on the dust jacket, in 1870. Why is Britain sometimes called Albion? A possible explanation is found here. What was the Cliveden set? Perfect for trivia lovers, as well as a seriously useful work for students and scholars.

* Fable - from latin fabula 'narrative story'

I never thought I'd describe a reference book as unputdownable, but once you open this book to look one thing up (say, a peculiar expression that someone has just said, "Now why *do* we say that?" about), you'll find yourself reading all the entries in sight! Very useful for anyone with an interest in literature, history, or language and great fun to use, with a distinctly tongue-in-cheek feel to it (the hilarious section on "Famous Last Words", for instance).

It makes a really lovely present for young and old: it looks suitably impressive, has fairly universal appeal provided they're a fan of the written word, and is far livelier than the standard reference books that get trotted out on Important Occasions. I have given this to my best friend, my step-dad, and a second cousin who has just come of age; the latter (aged 13) hasn't been heard from yet (we calculated that there's a pretty good chance he's going to read it, unlike most of the books he's bound to have received), but the other two have adored it, and friends who have been introduced to my copy usually end up spending a good hour leafing through it. A huge number of phrases, expressions, and characters from myth, history and literature are there, but I still want to know where the word "codswallop" comes from...

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable is, without question, a wonderful reference book. All reviews agree that it's unique in scope and content. Read the other reviews for details. I can't really add anything there.

But interestingly, no one focuses on what a great read this book is. I love it because I can just pick it up, open the book to any page at random, and instantly lose myself in the contents of the pages. It's delightful in that you never know what you'll learn (but you always learn something interesting), and you can read as much or as little as you wish, depending on your time or interest. Later on, you can pick up where you left off, or just flip the pages to some other random place in the book

We jokingly refer to it as the world's best "bathroom book."

So, by all means use it as a reference, but don't stop there - read it!

As a resource for any student or scholar, Brewer's is a unique and indispensible resource of esoteric or little known information. I possess the Centenary Edition of 1970 which was discarded from London's Homerton College Library.

Brewer's picks up where other reference books leave off. With approximately six-thousand unusual quotations, the reader will be well read and prepared to take on the day; be it an opening toast, or a debate between orators. I rate it at five stars plus with no hesitation or reservation.

A dictionary of English phrases, fun to read and helps to grasp the essence of the English language.

The people who sent this book to me did it in great time so to them, I thank you. The book it's self is remarkable.I'll put the material to wondeful use. And to you Amazon, thank you for having a place on this system for our education and enjoyment.Thank you Indeed! Fred Smoot

A worthy addition to any book shelf. It is filled with all kinds of wonderful information and great at settling arguments. Highly recommended