Dictionary of Historical Allusions and Eponyms (Hardcover, New)

Being of US origin, this compilation features many expressions not found in, for example, Brewer's, such as 'Boston Brahmin', 'to eat crow' and even 'grassy knoll'. Auchter takes a generous view of what falls into her remit, embracing 'blackmail' and 'nepotism' at one extreme and 'Dewey decimal system' and 'Rhodes scholar' at the other. The entries total some 550, generally 200-300 words long with a list of sources. The book has large print and a subject index. Although not aimed at children, the text assumes no knowledge of any kind on the part of the reader. (Kirkus UK)

Jezebel is an example of an eponym, a person whose name has evolved into a common noun or verb. In addition to eponyms, the English language is peppered with historical allusions that have become disassociated from their original context. For example, the phrase mad as a hatter refers to the dementia suffered by Victorian hatmakers, who were poisoned by the mercury used in their craft.

General

Imprint:	ABC-CLIO Ltd
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	June 1998
First published:	June 1998
Authors:	Dorothy Auchter Mays
Dimensions:	254 x 178 x 19mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	306
Edition:	New
ISBN-13:	978-0-87436-950-2
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Language & linguistics > Historical & comparative linguistics > General Books > Reference & Interdisciplinary > Encyclopaedias & reference works > Reference works > General
LSN:	0-87436-950-9
Barcode:	9780874369502

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