
Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion
Andrew Delahunty(Author)
Oxford University Press
3rd Edition
Published on 13. November 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
416 pages
978-0-19-956746-1 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
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 NewsMore details
Edition
3rd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Students of English Literature and Language, non-native English speakers, and lovers of fictional literature in general.
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
302 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-956746-1 (9780199567461)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
09/2010
3rd Edition
Oxford University Press
€24.80
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Persons
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)
Content
Introduction ; Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion ; Thematic Index