The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs (Facts on File Writer's Library) [Paperback]

Martin H. Manser (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up-A handy reference book containing more than 1500 pithy and familiar sayings from ancient times through to the present day. Each alphabetically arranged expression is printed in boldface and followed by a short explanation of its meaning, an example from literature or elsewhere, mention of its origin and variants, and the year it was first recorded, if known. Cross-references and proverbs with similar or different meanings are included when appropriate. Indexes by keyword and by theme complete the work. Informative and easy to use for assignments and for browsing, this is a fine example of the adage, "a book is like a garden carried in the pocket."-Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This attractive and useful resource book focuses on commonly used expressions in the English language and in English literature. There is no attempt to be culturally inclusive. Each entry is arranged alphabetically on a two-column page. The boldface proverb precedes a concisely written definition and factually documented origin of the saying. There's no rose without a thorn typifies the basic structure of each entry: namely, definition, example of use, origins, variant expressions, cross-references, and proverbs with similar or opposite meanings. Each entry varies in length according to available source material and popularity of expression.

The editorial consistency is rare and a credit to the skillful selection and editing techniques of Manser, who also compiled The Facts On File Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases [RBB Ag 02], among other works. An index of key words and an index of themes complete this valuable addition to the Facts On File Library of Language and Literature, which is recommended for public and academic libraries. Libraries looking for a more comprehensive guide can turn to Wolfgang Mieder's A Dictionary of American Proverbs (Oxford, 1991), with approximately 15,000 entries, while those who want representation of other cultures should consider the Cassell Dictionary of Proverbs (1998) or Multicultural Dictionary of Proverbs (McFarland, 1997). RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 499 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; 2 edition (April 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816066744
• ISBN-13: 978-0816066742
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #700,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars useful and fun resource, April 8, 2004

By 

audrey (white mtns) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs (Facts on File Writer's Library) (Paperback)

A proverb is a short saying used to illustrate a general truth, and this handy guide is quite useful and very entertaining. Proverbs are listed alphabetically, and each entry includes an explanation, an example from literature, origin, variants, cross references when appropriate, and a list of sayings with similar or opposite meanings.

For example, the entry "neither a borrower nor a lender be" reads:
It is advisable never to borrow or lend anything, specifically money: " 'Neither a borrower nor a lender be' is a lesson I learned too late, after losing $200 and the friend who borrowed it." The proverb comes from Shakespeare's play Hamlet (1:3; 1600-01) and is part of Polonius's advice to his son Laertes.

The book concludes with indexes by keyword and by theme as well as a bibliography. The print is clean and I was able to find all of the proverbs in which I was interested. My only complaint is that the year of origin is given, but not the source.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Systematic and Satisfying, April 21, 2011

By 

Eric H. Roth "ESL specialist" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs (Facts on File Writer's Library) (Paperback)

Providing the original context for proverbs that pervade the English language, this authoritative collection systematically educates while it entertains. What more do you want from an academic reference work on proverbs?

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for copy writers!, December 27, 2004

By 

C. Stiles "Design-Book-a-holic" (Delaware) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs (Facts on File Writer's Library) (Paperback)

This is one of those books that I don't refer to too often, but when I do, it is an invaluable resource.

Great for freeing up writer's block...great for attributing those proverbs that you hear often. Just one of those books that I love having at my fingertips!!