Brewers's Dictionary of Phrases and Fable

Author(s): Susie Dent

Dictionaries

In this book: Much loved for its wit and wisdom since 1870, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable takes you on a captivating adventure through its trademark blend of language, culture, myth and legend. Edited by Susie Dent, this new edition contains an intriguing supplement of Brewer's Gems - facts, fables and curiosities from Brewer collections of the past. Its pages brim with esoteric and entertaining entries - everything from curious customs to the world of newspapers and political alliances of yesteryear - all seen through the distinctive Brewer lens. This nineteenth edition of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable encapsulates all the charm and wit that characterise its predecessors and maintains the standards of scholarship and eclecticism that have long been its hallmark. This unique edition has been thoroughly updated with over 100 new and revised entries - think crowdsourcing, cyberpunk, iPad and mash-up - guaranteed to delight, entertain and inspire in the best Brewer's tradition. Also included are twenty special entries that encapsulate the enticing spirit of the dictionary. Discover Brewer's take on angels, heraldry, pub signs and recluses and delve into the lexicographical world of the eggcorn. Whether you're a committed Brewerphile or a newcomer to its pages of fascinating entries, this edition will draw you in and keep you glued to its rich mix of eccentric nuggets. As Susie Dent explains in the foreword, Brewer's "is not a straightforward dictionary, nor is it an encyclopaedia. It is, in fact, unlike any other reference book that exists, anywhere."


Product Information

An idiosyncratic adventure, pulling you in and saying: "this is, in fact, not what you werelooking for; but it's much more interesting." -- Terry Pratchett Of all the dictionaries in the world [Brewer's] is the most like a treasure-hunt, where one phrase leads to another, and that to a third, and before you know what's happened, it's time for lunch. -- Philip Pullman Brewer's head-words are so enticing and his definitions so eloquent that it's impossible to stop at one. An addiction may develop. -- Carol Rumens, The Independent 20080912 'By judicious updating and editing and by dint of its elegant design and printing, this latest edition retains as strong a place in its reference market niche as it ever did; long may that continue.' -- Stuart James, Past Editor, Reference Reviews, and formerly University Librarian, University of Paisley, UK 20100609

Chambers, now Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd following the acquisition of the Harrap bilingual dictionary list in the early 1990s, continues to be based in Edinburgh. As of 2006 it is part of the Hachette UK group of publishers. As well as the core business of publishing dictionaries and thesauruses, Chambers also publishes a range of language-reference titles, reference titles on science, history, biography and quotations, fact books, phrasebooks, and crossword, puzzle and games titles. It is one of the most respected reference publishers in the world.

General Fields

  • : 9780550102454
  • : Hodder & Stoughton
  • : Chambers
  • : 1.68
  • : September 2011
  • : 246mm X 156mm
  • : United Kingdom
  • : December 2011
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Susie Dent
  • : Hardback
  • : 19
  • : 423.1
  • : 1536