Overview

Allusions form a colourful extension to the English language, drawing on our collective knowledge of literature, mythology, and the Bible to give us a literary shorthand for describing people, places, and events. So a cunning crook is an Artful Dodger, a daydreamer is like Billy Liar, a powerful woman is a modern-day Amazon - we can suffer like Sisyphus, fail like Canute, or linger like the smile of the Cheshire Cat. This absorbing and accessible A to Z explains the meanings of allusions in modern English, from Adonis to Zorro, Tartarus to Tarzan, and Rubens to Rambo. Fascinating to browse through, the book is based on an extensive reading programme that has identified the most commonly-used allusions. Now available in paperback, this new edition includes within each entry a short summary definition for the allusion or reference, ideal for quick reference, and at least one illustration citation from a wide range of source materials in almost every entry: from Aldous Huxley to Philip Roth, Emily Bronte to The Guardian Unlimited. A useful thematic index allows searching for allusions related to a specific topic, e.g. under Intelligence find Aristotle, Einstein, and Spock, and under Hair find Medusa, Samson, and Shirley Temple. The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion is both a useful and user-friendly reference work for students of English Literature and Language, as well as for non-native English speakers for aid with unusual references, and an absorbing volume for all lovers of literature and culture in general.

Full Product Details

9780199567461

Table of Contents

Reviews

<br> A brilliantly organized handbook of names, places and phrases.... A highly readable text. <br> --Choice (praise for the previous edition) <br><p><br>

<br> A brilliantly organized handbook of names, places and phrases.... A highly readable text. <br> --Choice (praise for the previous edition) <br><p><br>

A brilliantly organized handbook of names, places and phrases.... A highly readable text. --Choice (praise for the previous edition)

This is such a helpful book for writers, allowing them to bring freshness and originality to their work by helping them avoid the same old expressions and cliches. Willow Thomas, The New Writer Magazine Review from previous editions Wonderfully conceived and extraordinarily useful Library Journal ...an attractive addition to a writer's shelf of reference works US Universal Press syndication A brilliantly organized handbook of names, places and phrases ... A highly readable text Choice This is an easy to use book. Sunday Telegraph Informative, useful and highly entertaining. Manchester Evening News

Author Information

Andrew's recent publications include Talking Balls: A Guide to the Language of Sport (2006), the Oxford Primary Dictionary (2007), and From Bonbon to Cha-Cha: Oxford Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases (2008)

Tab Content 6

Countries Available