This scholarly work lists U.S. and Canadian proverbs alphabetically by key word, cross-referencing for related proverbs. Although it draws strictly from oral sources, noting the recorded distribution, the book also lists each proverb's first citation in writing along with its inclusion in other collections. Especially valuable are the variants: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" also has "Absence makes the heart wander" and five other versions. Understandably, large sections are devoted to "man," "money," and "woman." This is an excellent, well-conceived document of a fast-changing and perhaps dying segment of our language. Recommended for reference sections.
-Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"Excellent."--Library Journal
"A very interesting work. Certainly, it will be of greatest use to researchers of language and folklore, but it lends itself to browsing as well."--RBB/Booklist
"Fills an especially vital need in word study....A superb dictionary."--Reference Book Review
"Exemplary and indispensable....Enjoyable and revealing."--Proverbium
"Amazing....Outstanding....This is a mammoth work which offers a variety of resources for students of literature, history, and rhetoric. It is a valuable text, carefully researched and documented."--Review and Expositor
See all Editorial Reviews
