Brewers' Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

Dr Ebenezer Cobham Brewer contribution to the literary world may not spring to mind easily. I should imagine that many twentieth century writers would admit to using his most famous work. Brewer was a compiler of information and in his long life wrote over forty books, many of which have become standard references and have run into many revisions over the century since his death. As is often the ironic twist of fate, this his most famous work, was ...
...little commercial value. So down to business, what is the book all about?

As the name suggests this is a compilation of phrases, quotations and adages, as well as the background story that outlines its history and usage. Set out alphabetically, this is really a dictionary of sayings and unusual words. Those familiar with the current program "Balderdash and Piffle" will find this a written version of the same concept. Whereas ... more

Dr Ebenezer Cobham Brewer contribution to the literary world may not spring to mind easily. I should imagine that many twentieth century writers would admit to using his most famous work. Brewer was a compiler of information and in his long life wrote over forty books, many of which have become standard references and have run into many revisions over the century since his death. As is often the ironic twist of fate, this his most famous work, was at the time of its creation see as being of little commercial value. So down to business, what is the book all about?

As the name suggests this is a compilation of phrases, quotations and adages, as well as the background story that outlines its history and usage. Set out alphabetically, this is really a dictionary of sayings and unusual words. Those familiar with the current program "Balderdash and Piffle" will find this a written version of the same concept. Whereas the Oxford English Dictionary, in its fullest form, is an exhaustive history of the English written word, this is an overview of the more common phrases, but like the former does cover the range of history. And unlike the formers totally inclusive approach to its task, here, due to the limits of the books size, though it does run to over 1200 pages, the contents are those that appeal to the original compiler and his successors. Brewer does seem to have been familiar with the Bible, the Classics, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Dickens, Longfellow and Tennyson, all whose works are prominently featured. The book does range from the very ancient to the most up to date forms of word usage and over the fourteen editions that have followed has remained so.

In an effort to remain relevant modern usage is constantly added, phrases such as Catch-22, Inner Cities, Hobbit, Carpet Bombing, and Murphy's Law have all been added in recent years, but not at the expense of more archaic terms. Auld Lang Syne, Banshee, The Silk Road, Jezebel and Bard of Erin all remain in their places for example. The book doesn't claim to be pedantic in its approach to the age and origin of a phrase but uses tales and quotations that best sum up their meaning and employment. What you get is really a "lucky dip" or "pot luck" both of which, incidentally" are in the book.

So who would benefit from adding this tome to their shelves? Well anyone who works with or is interested in language really, but more as well. Historians will find a lot that will interest them, not least for the history of regimental names. Religion, Literature and the natural sciences are all well covered and anyone just interested in the development of language will benefit from this work. There are some amazing tales to be told about the background to the phrases, and as a way of picking up clever and quotable anecdotes with out ploughing through all the great works of literature, this is all you need. Its not a book to read cover to cover but makes for great coffee table book to be picked up and opened at random for a fifteen minute delve.

A great book and a massive contribution to our understanding of the language that we use. If you want to know your Guelphs from your Ghibellines, your Guerinists from your Guilds and want to finally lay to rest that old argument about good old St Gudula, I'll see you on page 507.
 

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