This paperback edition of the revised and expanded Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable features hundreds of new entries on everything from blogs and designer babies to New York's mysterious sewer-dwelling alligators, as well as a selection of 'heritage entries' from a Victorian edition of Brewer's: see what the Victorians thought of things like enchanted castles, magic garters and poison detectors. The sheer scope of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, together with its delightful mix of scholarship and eccentricity, makes it a must for every 21st-century bookshelf. Brewer's. Take the scenic route to knowledge.

About the Author

Chambers is one of the world's most respected dictionary publishers, appealing particularly to word lovers and those who revel in all the quirks of the English language. Its extensive list of innovative language and reference titles includes the renowned Brewer's list of endlessly browsable dictionaries of phrase and fable, and covers English-language dictionaries and thesauruses for every level of user from school to crossword fan, from English learner to student of slang. Meticulously researched and expertly written, the highly acclaimed Chambers range has been at the forefront of presenting knowledge and learning in an engaging and accessible way since it was first established in the 19th century.

Reviews

'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 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 20100609 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 20100609 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 'The essential companion to your dictionary and thesaurus' -- Writing Magazine 20100401