Synopses & Reviews
The
Oxford Dictionary of Quotations has been long hailed as the most literary quotation book available, and the newest edition is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Over 20,000 quotations from every era and every location bring you the wisdom of ages and the sound bites of today. The text is a browser's paradise that allows the reader to identify who said what, and when, and where.
Here readers will find in one volume the wit and wisdom of humanity--the finest lines to be found from Shakespeare, the Bible, Mark Twain, Alan Greenspan, and hundreds of other writers, philosophers, political figures, and entertainers. This new edition contains over 200 new entries including sixty-one quotable Americans. This updated sixth edition encompasses current trends in politics and culture with quotations such as "States like these constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world" (George Bush), and "It's a good thing" (Martha Stewart). Many other new additions are older in origin, yet enlighten events of the twenty-first century.
Each illuminating entry contains in-depth details of the earliest traceable source, biographical cross-references, birth and death dates, and a career brief. With both a thematic and keyword index, scholars and readers thumbing through the book will easily be able to find quotations for all occasions. Ranging from the profound, to cogent, to witty, these quotations will add spice to your writing and conversation. An ideal reference for any home or office library, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is a perennial source of entertainment and inspiration for public speakers, writers, or anyone else who enjoys a sparkling line or spirited reply.
Review
"With its more than 20,000 quotations, organized alphabetically by author's last name, the dictionary will both educate and entertain anybody who appreciates other people's wisdom or, alternatively, enjoys discovering statements that are downright dumb."--Library Journal
"Now more than a half-century old, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations... arrives in a freshly updated sixth edition. The old warhorse sources are still there - Shakespeare, the Bible, Samuel Johnson and of course Anonymous. They are now joined by George W. Bush (three quotes dealing with terrorism and the "axis of evil" line), Ari Fleischer and Johnny Cash, among others. A useful book for anyone who writes or has to make speeches."--Houston Chronicle
"As well as providing fodder for toasts, letters to the editor, and any personal notes that require bons mots, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations presents the spirit of the individuals and works quoted in a way that even the liveliest encyclopedia cannot. This is also the most entertaining reference book for simply browsing"--Martha Stewart Living
Synopsis
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations has long been hailed as the most literary quotation book available. Here readers will find in one volume the wit and wisdom of humanity--the finest lines to be found in Shakespeare, the Bible, Mark Twain, Groucho Marx, and hundreds of other writers, philosophers, political figures, and entertainers.
This major new edition offers the broadest and most up-to-date coverage of quotations available today. Now with 20,000 quotations arranged by author, this is Oxford's largest quotations dictionary ever. Alongside superb coverage of quotations from traditional sources, the Dictionary now boasts improved coverage of world religions, classical Greek and Latin literature, proverbs, and nursery rhymes. In addition, for the first time there are special sections for Advertising Slogans, Epitaphs, Film Lines, and Misquotations, which bring together topical and related quotes. Moreover, the new Fifth Edition provides enhanced accessibility with a new thematic index to help you find the best quotes on a chosen subject, more in depth details of the earliest traceable source, an extensive keyword index, and biographical cross references, so you will easily be able to find quotations for all occasions, and identify who said what, where, and when.
Ranging from profound, to cogent, to witty, these quotations will add spice to your writing and conversation. An ideal reference for any home or office library, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Fifth Edition is a constant source of entertainment and inspiration for public speakers, writers, or anyone else who enjoys a sparkling line or a spirited reply.
About the Author
Elizabeth Knowles is Publishing Manager for Oxford Quotations Dictionaries and is a historical lexicographer, having previously worked on the 4th edition of the
Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.
Table of Contents
Introduction
How to Use the Dictionary
Quotations
Keyword Index