Customer Reviews

The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This book is unbelievably useful and germaine. I initially purchased it to prepare for taking the Jeopardy! test (it's recommended by some of the champs), but it's usefulness goes far beyond that. Nobody can learn everything, and we all go through life not quite understanding that one mythological reference, parable, euphemism, historical reference, or slang term. It's all here in this one book! You will be unbelievably well grounded for existence in American society if you have this volume. Although it's great for looking up unknown references, I'm reading it from cover to cover and can't put it down.

Potential Buyer's should note that this is the adult user's version of the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. Amazon also sell the 1996 children's version for children to use and easily understand as a grade-school reference.

No two people may agree on the choices contained in a reference work subtitled, "What Every American Needs to Know." However, other than the yearly almanac, few reference works maintain such best-seller status as this one. The reason, no doubt, is its user-friendliness and lighthearted approach to some heavy-handed subject areas. An earlier review centered on the supposed flaw of the text's definition of "separation of church vs. state," noting that its origin may be discovered in Thomas Jefferson's work. Unfortunately, the reviewer focused on technicality rather than reality. Any worthwhile study of American history mirrors the authors' conclusion. The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment in relation to separation of church vs. state numerous times. If the reviewer disagrees with the authors' statement, it is more a matter of personal ideology and disagreement with the Supreme Court. According to the foreword, this book desires to "stimulate debate among readers" in order to promote learning. In accordance with earlier reviews and its longstanding status, this work achieves its goal.

Yes. That's right - i said a place to *start* your research journey.

This is in no way, shape, or form a book that will help you write a paper, pass a history course, or understand some obscure literary reference in a poem.

If you read it, however, you may just impress Jay Leno when he does his "Jay Walking" segments on the Tonight Show.

For what it is - an all purpose guide to Western / american culture - it does a good job. I've referenced my copy many times over the years. ie When I'm watching a movie set during the life and times of Horatio Nelson, I've looked up Nelson in the book. When I'm reading a book that takes place during the Napoleonic Wars, I've referenced quite a few things.

Is this the entire history of Western / American culture? NO. It's a thumbnail sketch with many, many holes.

It is however, quite informative and interesting.

As long as you understand what it is and what it isn't - I'd recommend the book.

Everytime I read a novel, poem, or essay, there is invaribly a literary illusion, historical mention, or theme that I know nothing about. At this point, out pops the good old Dictionary of Culteral Literacy. Its a book of knowledge that quickly covers many different topics that one day in your life you might need to know a quick fact about. I use this book as my general Cliff's notes.

I was given this book as a birthday present about 8 years ago. It is still on my shelf, and it still gets used every once an awhile. It is a wonderful book for people who are very curious, people who would like a little refresher on general knowledge, and for people who love jeopoardy and triva pursuit. The book is divided into different categories which cover a broad base of knowledge, including history, religion, mythology, social science, and literature. I would like to see a new edition with more current event information, however, I still believe that this is a good buy, especially for students, teachers, or trivia buffs, because it is an excellent (and quick) reference guide to just about everything.

I already own this book, and use it often. An excellent historical resource. However, a lot has changed in the world - and the world of culture - since 1993. A plea to the authors: please update this book (and then I'll buy it right away).