Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

Second edition of this book first published in 2000. The original concept, as some readers may know, comes from 19th-century book by Rev. Brewer, which I read with great pleasure some 25 years ago. The old concept is similar, bringing together as it does word raises their names from various cultures and items from history, religion, mythology, customs, science, technology, philosophy, politics and current affairs. The result is incredibly wide ranging and informative. It also contains some new additions such as 'coalition of the willing' and the new association with the word tsunami. This is clearly a book for dipping into and one that will make an ideal present for the curious. A special feature is explanations of various proverbs using the same word, such as silence. It helps the reader realise the sheer fecundity of expression to be found in the English language.