Customer Reviews

Chambers Dictionary of Quotations

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It was Tennyson who referred to an "Indolent chorus of reviewers" and, in so doing, gave us who review the work of others our collective noun. Though not as grand as a "Pride" of lions, had he been alive in early 2009, doubtless he would have come up with something akin to an "Arrogant grasp of bankers!" Before reading any further, there are those who might now think, albeit momentarily, I have an intimate knowledge of the works of Alfred Lord Tennyson which allows me to quote freely. Regrettably, in my school, the English teacher thought Shakespeare was something one did with a javelin and I have no such knowledge.

I used that quotation simply to make this point; Whenever a writer uses quotations attributed to well known author or learned source, it gives the impression of that writer being well-read and, consequently, far more qualified to write on whatever subject is to hand. A book of quotations is, therefore, essential for any writer and, over many years, I have tried several.

The Chambers Dictionary of Quotations is straightforward and easily one of the very best on the market. The attributable sources for all quotations are laid out in alphabetical order. Thus, should you wish to quote extensively from a specific source, each notable (and quotable) quotation will be found under their name - a process which utilises 937 pages.

Equally as important, a 341 page index then lists each quote again by subject. Under "Shipwreck," for example, there are three quotations from three different sources whereas under "Science" there are almost 200. In short, whatever your subject, there is a suitable quote from an authentic and notable source listed in this book. Furthermore, with the book being laid out in a no-nonsense manner, you to find that quote with considerable ease.

NM

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of quotation books. But not many offer over 20,000 quotations. This one falls into the group of massive quotation books that are categorized by author, rather than by subject. it makes it easier to familiarize yourself with the thoughts of a specific writer or speaker, but harder to find quotes based on topic or subject.

You have to compare this with the grand old book of author categorized quotations-- Bartletts. And this book comes out looking pretty good, with more than 50% more sources of quotations, including some very unique contemporary ones.

While I tend to prefer subject categorized book, I've found this one to be fun to browse. It's still too much effort to dig through these author categorized ones while doing an in depth subject search, but it is an excellent book, in the same general class as Bartlett's and Oxford.

The cover looks a bit stodgy, but inside, there are a wealth of new faces with new ideas. The publisher reports that a team of 40 researchers worked on this. This is particularly reflected in the great job they do of putting a decent bio of each speaker right there where the quotes are-- no need to dig the info up from the back of the book.