The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy (Hardcover)

~ James Trefil (Author), (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- This book belongs in high-school libraries, if only because of the tremendous amount of publicity and controversy surrounding its compilation. It has large gaps in minority literature and history, but in other areas it is fascinating in its coverage. Adults will enjoy browsing to find what is included and what's not, while students will appreciate the quick reference.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

A National bestseller, The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy has been widely acclaimed for identifying and defining the core body of knowledge that no literare American should be without. Now in this newly revised and updated edition, the authors provice a comprehensive look at cultural literacy for the nineties. New entries reflect suggestions from hundreds of readers. The dictionary takes into account the growing consensus over the specifics of multiculturalism, the political and geographic changes in the world, and the new ideas and terms that flow constantly from scientific research and technological development. The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy challenges us to find out more about what we know and helps us make sense of what we read, hear, and learn. It is a "must have" book for every home.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 619 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 2 edition (August 31, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395655978
• ISBN-13: 978-0395655979
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #247,170 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A first-rate leader source, October 14, 1999

By	Tome Raider (California, United States) - See all my reviews

One of the other reviewers suggested that this book was too simplistic, and I suggest that is its very appeal. It is not overly simplistic, in my opinion, and having used it for several years now I have yet to spot a glaring defect or error. For example, last night I needed to refresh my recollection on the distinction between an analogy and a metaphor and a simile. Using two different dictionaries (and fifteen minutes) I was still a bit uncertain. Then I turned to this book and had the distinction clarified for me in 30 seconds. As other reviewers have suggested, it really does make for great reading just flipping through the pages. You'll learn all sorts of interesting tid-bits of information, and obviously if you want to elaborate upon your understanding, you can then hit your full-on encycplopedias, etc.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT SURVERY OF CORE KNOWLEDGE FOR TEACHERS/STUDENTS, October 20, 1999

By	Jimbo ([e-mail]) "[e-mail]" (Kent, Ohio) - See all my reviews

While not an in-depth examination of topics and more a survey of general knowledge the text is a MUST HAVE for any person wanting to be culturally literate. I discovered the book in the Reference Section of my local and college library. Especially useful for High School Students preparing for College entrance exams,Students/Teacher about to take their General Knowledge test for the NTA (National Teacher's Exam) and Teachers who want to offer the CORE of whats important! Great Buy Great Price!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The REAL scoop, April 3, 2001

By	The Mad Reviewer (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent resource, although because of the number of references, it cannot go into depth on many. But if you are looking for a general understanding of a concept, person, or phrase ingrained in American culture, you will find it here.

I fear that many critics of this book chastize it for its failure to include persons or events near and dear to their hearts. While I am sympathetic to that concern, the reader must understand that this book is akin to a popularity contest of culture, with the most commonly used/understood concepts rising to the top. This is actually a good thing, although it seems shallow at first blush.

As the authors note, the ability to communicate/read well stems from shared understanding. This book succeeds by providing what, at a minimum, should be known by someone because most literate Americans also know it. The authors, in fact, do not suggest we educate ourselves only within the confines of this book, or take its ideas as intrinsically more valuable. Rather, they say only that this is where we must start.

If my friends from abroad asked me what single best reference would prepare them to interact intelligently in America, this would be it.