Dictionary of Phrase and Fable

Ebenezer Cobham Brewer · 1870

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Description

Ebenezer Brewer first published his Dictionary of Phrase and Fable in 1870, and the new edition of 1896 is the mature Victorian form. Brewer was a clergyman and schoolbook writer with a love of odd knowledge. His book explains phrases and allusions that have a tale behind them.

Entries give the source of common sayings, the stories behind names, and the roots of customs and superstitions. Readers learn why we call a man a Croesus or speak of sour grapes. Brewer's became the classic phrase book of the English-speaking home. It still serves writers who meet an old allusion and want its story.

Catalog record

CREATOREbenezer Cobham Brewer
YEAR1870
COLLECTIONREFERENCE
FORMATTXT
FILE SIZE6658644
VERSION1.0
LICENSEPublic Domain
RIGHTSPUBLIC DOMAIN
SOURCEInternet Archive

Source: https://archive.org/details/bwb_KV-029-605

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