Cassell Companion to Quotations [Hardcover]

Nigel Rees (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997 | ISBN-10: 0304348481 | ISBN-13: 978-0304348480

An annotated guide to quotations, this textbook provides a collection of the most familiar sayings in the English-speaking world. It looks in particular at those quotations whose origins are disputed or which exist in variant forms, highlighting popular misconceptions and misquotations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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.

From Booklist

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304348481
• ISBN-13: 978-0304348480
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,702,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nigel Rees is a British writer and broadcaster, best known as deviser and presenter of BBC Radio's Quote ... Unquote program which began its long run over 35 years ago. He is a leading authority on quotations and other well-known phrases and sayings, is a past President of the Lichfield Dr Johnson Society and was recently described by The Spectator as 'Britain's most popular lexicographer'.

Born near Liverpool in 1944, Nigel took a degree in English at Oxford and then went straight into television with Granada in Manchester. He made his first TV appearances on local shows in 1967 before moving to London as a freelance. He reported for ITN's News at Ten and then became presenter of a wide range of programs for BBC Radio - news, current affairs, arts and entertainment - including two years on the breakfast-time Today show.

He is the author of more than fifty books - mostly devoted to popular aspects of the English language and especially the humour that derives from it. His most recent titles include: A Word In Your Shell-Like: 6,000 Curious & Everyday Phrases Explained and Brewer's Famous Quotations: 5,000 Quotations and the Stories Behind Them. He is currently publishing e-books under the series title The Best Guide to ------ , including Humorous Quotations and Movie Quotes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only for quote fanatics, June 28, 2001

By 

Liz Andra Shaw "The Writing Reader" (Gilbert, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cassell Companion to Quotations (Hardcover)

This is more of a story about quotes, misattributions, and misremembered sayings than a complition of quotations. If you are a big quote nut and enjoy knowing the story behind the quotation, you must buy this. If you enjoy browsing a more traditional compilation on quotes, don't. Quotations are arranged by author and indexed by key word. One nice feature: if the source of the quotation is known, it is cited.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book for debunking misattributions, February 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Cassell Companion To Quotations (Paperback)

This title should be kept perpetually in print, if only for libraries to replace their well-worn copies. Rees' work is impeccable.