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Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable
Celebrating the 125th anniversary of its original publication, this expanded and updated edition of a classic reference features a new, simplified organization.
1584 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1870
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 6, 2009
Various editions of this book are available online in digitized form. But that shouldn't stop you from getting your own physical copy. Nothing can rival the joy of browsing through it - you're bound to learn something fascinating along the way. As Terry Pratchett says in the Foreword, it's a storehouse of "little parcels of serendipitous information of a kind that are perhaps of no immediate use, but which are, nevertheless very good for the brain."
First published in 1870, Brewer's has flourished for over a century. It has always been the reference book that "reaches the parts others cannot", the option you try if what you are looking for is not in a standard dictionary or encyclopedia. Even if you don't find what you're looking for, chances are you'll uncover something even more interesting. The fact that it has reached its 17th edition (published in 2005) suggests that it clearly meets a need, even if its exact scope can be hard to pin down precisely. Certainly, one need look no further with a question about ‘traditional’ myths and legends – from the Erymanthian boar to the Swan of Tuonela, from Aarvak and the Abbasids to zombies and Zoroastrians, they’re all covered. The latest edition updates the mythical pantheon to include such creatures as the Balrog and Nazgûl, Voldemort and Dumbledore, the Psammead and Zaphod Beeblebrox, to name only a few.
This edition incorporates many new features to tempt the reader -- a listing of idioms from Spanish, French, and German, first lines in fiction, assorted sayings attributed to Sam Goldwyn, curious place names in Great Britain and Ireland, the dogs, horses, and last words of various historical and fictional figures. So, while looking for information on freemasonry, you may find yourself diverted to learn that French people don’t dress to the nines – instead they put on their thirty-one, perhaps in preparation for a bout of window pane licking (window shopping). And if that femme fatale you met last night stands you up this evening, it may be that she has other cats to whip. Or it could be that she has received a messenger from Rome (who might be called Aunt Flo by an English speaker).
But as always, it’s the weird tidbits, stumbled across by sheer accident, that are the real delight. For instance, I could certainly have gotten through my entire life without knowing about the blue men of the Minch . But knowing that they are legendary beings who haunt the Minches (the channels separating the Outer Hebrides from the rest of Scotland), occasionally bothering sailors, enriches my life. The added information that they are either kelpies or fallen angels, and are reputed to drag mariners to the bottom of the sea if they fail to answer questions in rhyming couplets (in Gaelic, naturally), fills me with unutterable glee.
As do most of the entries in this terrific reference book.
First published in 1870, Brewer's has flourished for over a century. It has always been the reference book that "reaches the parts others cannot", the option you try if what you are looking for is not in a standard dictionary or encyclopedia. Even if you don't find what you're looking for, chances are you'll uncover something even more interesting. The fact that it has reached its 17th edition (published in 2005) suggests that it clearly meets a need, even if its exact scope can be hard to pin down precisely. Certainly, one need look no further with a question about ‘traditional’ myths and legends – from the Erymanthian boar to the Swan of Tuonela, from Aarvak and the Abbasids to zombies and Zoroastrians, they’re all covered. The latest edition updates the mythical pantheon to include such creatures as the Balrog and Nazgûl, Voldemort and Dumbledore, the Psammead and Zaphod Beeblebrox, to name only a few.
This edition incorporates many new features to tempt the reader -- a listing of idioms from Spanish, French, and German, first lines in fiction, assorted sayings attributed to Sam Goldwyn, curious place names in Great Britain and Ireland, the dogs, horses, and last words of various historical and fictional figures. So, while looking for information on freemasonry, you may find yourself diverted to learn that French people don’t dress to the nines – instead they put on their thirty-one, perhaps in preparation for a bout of window pane licking (window shopping). And if that femme fatale you met last night stands you up this evening, it may be that she has other cats to whip. Or it could be that she has received a messenger from Rome (who might be called Aunt Flo by an English speaker).
But as always, it’s the weird tidbits, stumbled across by sheer accident, that are the real delight. For instance, I could certainly have gotten through my entire life without knowing about the blue men of the Minch . But knowing that they are legendary beings who haunt the Minches (the channels separating the Outer Hebrides from the rest of Scotland), occasionally bothering sailors, enriches my life. The added information that they are either kelpies or fallen angels, and are reputed to drag mariners to the bottom of the sea if they fail to answer questions in rhyming couplets (in Gaelic, naturally), fills me with unutterable glee.
As do most of the entries in this terrific reference book.
July 24, 2008
While we're at it, I cannot live without this book. It's the place to go if you want to find out the significance of a golden apple or the difference between a faun and a satyr. (And let's face it, who doesn't?).
September 14, 2008
This is absolutely my desert island book, there's no book like it. Granted reference books and mythology are two passions of mine, so this is always going to get me...but there really is nothing like this book. Randomly open the pages and you find out the names of famous mythological creatures, infamous characters through out history and the occasional curious saying. The amount of things from this book that goes into my stories, or is the beginning of some crazy bit of research that end up becoming a story.
I can flick through this all day and never get bored because those snippets are astonishing triggers for the imagination.
As a maker-upper of stories, it's one of the best reference books you'll ever own.
I can flick through this all day and never get bored because those snippets are astonishing triggers for the imagination.
As a maker-upper of stories, it's one of the best reference books you'll ever own.
December 8, 2007
This book really is a must have. Have you ever wondered who Zeno was? Or where the phrase, 'to swing a cat' came from? Life and literature are full of references to phrases and fables that I'm never totally sure of. But this is also a fun book to just pick up and flick through.
Possibly not a book to read from cover to cover, but a joy nonetheless.
Possibly not a book to read from cover to cover, but a joy nonetheless.
February 13, 2013
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable is a newer version to previous editions and I dare say much heavier. It is not only a valuable source of previous century and old tales and reference, no this edition was updated to accommodate to new changes. I might add that it has a great deal of Latin phrases which promotes learning of given subject. I would recommend it to general literature use, if not sure who or what specific item means, this book is IT. Like most books, this book did not have a mention of angel Aker, which I am hunting down. None the less, this book has very few pictures unlike most dictionaries I saw, but I deem these to be better ones, especially one that talks about different crowns of rulers and hierarchy of rulers.
Good Luck Guys.
Good Luck Guys.
December 2, 2017
Did you know that Aeschylus was killed by the fall of a tortoise on his bald head from the claws of an eagle in the air? (Now, how many of you have read Small Gods by Terry Pratchett? Is there nothing Pratchett doesn't know?) Anyway, this and many other strange and wonderful things are revealed (and referenced) in what is called a "Dictionary" of Phrase and Fable. Therefore, do not let the title fool you into thinking you don't need it. Everyone should have it as a bathroom book. That's where it is in my house. Love it!
December 8, 2020
Fascinating to people who love tidbits and trivia! You can open it to any page, and find something interesting.
January 1, 2021
Obviously one can't really "read" a dictionary, but nevertheless, this book absolutely deserves a review.
I have the 2018 edition and I don't know how I ever lived without it before. It's so fun to flip through and you're guaranteed to learn something new every time. Everything is in here from pop culture to Roman numerals. It's akin to Wikipedia, but way more fun and interesting!
I have the 2018 edition and I don't know how I ever lived without it before. It's so fun to flip through and you're guaranteed to learn something new every time. Everything is in here from pop culture to Roman numerals. It's akin to Wikipedia, but way more fun and interesting!
December 29, 2007
Before there was the internet any serious English major would have had a copy of Bartlett's on her shefl for reference. I love to page though my copy, a water-stained paperback from the 80's that's missing a few pages. Reading it is a like a choose-your-own adventure for mythologies and popular culture.
September 29, 2013
I love this book. I have an older edition and it's falling apart of the use it gets. It's great fun to just browse Brewer's, but what's uncanny is how many times I've come across some obscure reference (usually something British) and Brewer's has an entry! It's like an early Wikipedia, but quirkier.
Every home should have one!
Every home should have one!
January 20, 2010
Mine is the 1981 Centenary Edition, Revised.
March 24, 2008
This is one of those reference works that I could just read for hours. I'm such a geek.
August 25, 2008
This is my favorite reference book ever ever ever.
December 2, 2022
Keep this on your bedside next to your reading stack
While relaxing and reading my evening repertoire of the 1 million best books, I periodically, crossed a person a place or phrase that somehow missed my reading repertoire. When this happens, I reach for my copy of "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable."
Finding what I'm looking for, I'm happy to know that I usually got it right. Looking up such phrases as "Cracker Barrel philosophy", I cannot help glancing at "cracked pots last the longest." Once in a while, I can stomp Brewer’s with such phrases as " cover her face mine eyes dazzle she died young."
For people who suggest that you can find just about anything on the net that is true. However, the net does not have a tactile feel and easy index; what's more, it is having to trust his credibility.
So have hours, days, months, years, looking up your favorite phrase and fable.
While relaxing and reading my evening repertoire of the 1 million best books, I periodically, crossed a person a place or phrase that somehow missed my reading repertoire. When this happens, I reach for my copy of "Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable."
Finding what I'm looking for, I'm happy to know that I usually got it right. Looking up such phrases as "Cracker Barrel philosophy", I cannot help glancing at "cracked pots last the longest." Once in a while, I can stomp Brewer’s with such phrases as " cover her face mine eyes dazzle she died young."
For people who suggest that you can find just about anything on the net that is true. However, the net does not have a tactile feel and easy index; what's more, it is having to trust his credibility.
So have hours, days, months, years, looking up your favorite phrase and fable.
Read
January 16, 2019First of all, it is impossible to mark a dictionary as 'read' - that's not how dictionaries work.
Second of all, I am only leaving this 'review' here as a warning to other people who, like myself, are thinking of buying this book because they think it's to do with brewing. As it turns out, Brewer was a writer, and there's no mention as to whether he was actually brewing stuff as well in his spare time.
One could argue that I could have done a quick Google search on this book, and could have been spared a $30-ish purchase, but alas, hindsight is a wondrous thing.
Long story short: this is not a book about brewing, but it does have a lot of really interesting stories behind some common and less common English phrases.
Second of all, I am only leaving this 'review' here as a warning to other people who, like myself, are thinking of buying this book because they think it's to do with brewing. As it turns out, Brewer was a writer, and there's no mention as to whether he was actually brewing stuff as well in his spare time.
One could argue that I could have done a quick Google search on this book, and could have been spared a $30-ish purchase, but alas, hindsight is a wondrous thing.
Long story short: this is not a book about brewing, but it does have a lot of really interesting stories behind some common and less common English phrases.
May 8, 2017
A must-have reference book for every shelf. Contains answers to the most arcane questions you might ask - be they profound or prosaic. Entries range from the derivation of well-known colloquial phrases to lengthy entries on figures from mythology, as well as origins of superstitions and beliefs. First published, we are told on the dust jacket, in 1870. Why is Britain sometimes called Albion? A possible explanation is found here. What was the Cliveden set? Perfect for trivia lovers, as well as a seriously useful work for students and scholars.
* Fable - from latin fabula 'narrative story'
* Fable - from latin fabula 'narrative story'
February 2, 2024
Great reference book covering phrases and words used in English life, and their origins. Some of the Irish references are out misspelled or dated and there are perhaps too many detailed explanations of obscure Protestant groupings but overall very good and detailed. If you read something from 1800s English lit and wonder what it means, it’s probably in here, up to the 1940s anyhow.
October 5, 2019
One thousand two hundred and ninety-eight pages - virtually every word of which I read; I must have been on a mission, although I cannot remember what! A classic reference for the writer, which I heartily endorse owning. I fully intend to buy an updated version in 2020.
June 13, 2020
100% essential for any self-respecting reader or writer. This edition, with the Terry Pratchett introduction, may have lost some of the older entries - a shame - but for reliable reference and random browsing, this is a superb source of both knowledge and inspiration.
April 13, 2019
I love this book. I use it often when needing to choose phrases for writing or just to look up unusual phrases.
February 13, 2020
Such a useful reference! Especially when writing!
March 1, 2020
A door stop of a reference book about a large swath of US and UK phrases and tables.
June 13, 2020
This is a great and fun resource to have on hand.
January 16, 2021
Such a great resource for understand vague references in poetry, fiction, and film.
Read
May 9, 2022Is
December 24, 2022
I use this as a reference book.
November 10, 2023
An essential addition to any library. If like me you care about language, history and all things eccentric then this book is for you. In a word - Marvellous.
Read
November 22, 2012*Pictured cover is not this edition*
Ayto, J. (2005). Brewer's dictionary of phrase & fable. (17th ed.). London: Collins
By: Jayne Wilson
Reference Type: Dictionary
Call Number: 803
Description: More than 15,000 entries of the meanings of terms, expressions, and names of real, fictitious and mythical characters in history, science, the arts and literature.
Review Source: Jack, J. (2006). [The Dictionary of Phrase & Fable]. Library Journal (1976), 162.
Relevance and Relationship: $55, A needed addition to the 800’s (Literature) section of the library, explains terms and phrases students may not understand in literature
Purpose: A dictionary of terms, phrases, expressions, etc. to help students understand figurative language in literature
Validity: This dictionary, first published in 1870, is in its 17th edition, so terms, etc. have been updated and weeded with the passing of time; reviewed by reputable source (Library Journal)
Format: 1,523 pages, over 15,000 terms, phrases, etc., color illustrations
Arrangement and Presentation: Reading levels include Grades 5-Adult, arranged alphabetically
Diversity: This book would be of use to older elementary students, particularly those identified as gifted and talented.
Ayto, J. (2005). Brewer's dictionary of phrase & fable. (17th ed.). London: Collins
By: Jayne Wilson
Reference Type: Dictionary
Call Number: 803
Description: More than 15,000 entries of the meanings of terms, expressions, and names of real, fictitious and mythical characters in history, science, the arts and literature.
Review Source: Jack, J. (2006). [The Dictionary of Phrase & Fable]. Library Journal (1976), 162.
Relevance and Relationship: $55, A needed addition to the 800’s (Literature) section of the library, explains terms and phrases students may not understand in literature
Purpose: A dictionary of terms, phrases, expressions, etc. to help students understand figurative language in literature
Validity: This dictionary, first published in 1870, is in its 17th edition, so terms, etc. have been updated and weeded with the passing of time; reviewed by reputable source (Library Journal)
Format: 1,523 pages, over 15,000 terms, phrases, etc., color illustrations
Arrangement and Presentation: Reading levels include Grades 5-Adult, arranged alphabetically
Diversity: This book would be of use to older elementary students, particularly those identified as gifted and talented.
September 15, 2016
As a reference book, this isn't a thing you ever "finish" or stop referring to or read from page 1 to 1000. It's been my night-time browing book for about the past three months, and I think I've read enough of it to rate it and sing its praises.
I'm a sucker for browsing books about the intertwining of history, folklore, legend and myth, and this is a great one.
The entries -- ranging from Bedlam to Domesday Book to Micah Rood's Apples to Lutine Bell to Thule -- ride that nice middle ground of given enough information but also sparking your interest, half the time, to go off in search of more on the topic. I learned a lot, and I have much more to learn from these pages.
It should go without saying that this book would be especially useful to writers seeking ideas from history for new works.
Note: I am reading the 1981 edition, picked up cheap at a book sale. There are many editions of this volume and, obviously, any of them will do just fine. The information is timeless.
I'm a sucker for browsing books about the intertwining of history, folklore, legend and myth, and this is a great one.
The entries -- ranging from Bedlam to Domesday Book to Micah Rood's Apples to Lutine Bell to Thule -- ride that nice middle ground of given enough information but also sparking your interest, half the time, to go off in search of more on the topic. I learned a lot, and I have much more to learn from these pages.
It should go without saying that this book would be especially useful to writers seeking ideas from history for new works.
Note: I am reading the 1981 edition, picked up cheap at a book sale. There are many editions of this volume and, obviously, any of them will do just fine. The information is timeless.
May 4, 2015
At 1480 pages and at least ten pounds, I make no real cleaim of having "read" this entire work. However, I can heartily recommend it to all authors of fiction and readers as well. If you have trivia of the British Isles persuasion, as well as United States or anywhere in the Commonwealth, this overgrown book is a good starting place.
Originally published in 1870, it is more a compendium of miscellany than an encyclopedia or dictionary. Eclectic and verh British, it's the perfect place to look if you need a quick explanation of the Rump Parliament or Morris dance traditions.
I received this as a gift from my husband, who in turn heard about it from Terry Pratchett's book of autobiographical essays, A Slip of the Keyboard. It has already earned a permanent place on my quick reference shelf alongside the dictionaries and style guides.
Originally published in 1870, it is more a compendium of miscellany than an encyclopedia or dictionary. Eclectic and verh British, it's the perfect place to look if you need a quick explanation of the Rump Parliament or Morris dance traditions.
I received this as a gift from my husband, who in turn heard about it from Terry Pratchett's book of autobiographical essays, A Slip of the Keyboard. It has already earned a permanent place on my quick reference shelf alongside the dictionaries and style guides.
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