Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable

The Wikipedia of the previous generations, a delightful compendium of trivia, essential knowledge, mythology, common phrases, and on and on and on. Nothing but interesting tidbits of knowledge to get lost in for long periods of time. Skews a bit to the British and the Victorian, but the updaters have done a fine job, and left all the historical goodies in. Indispensable is a good word, especially for writers and historians.

Fascinating links between everyday phrases and history, not actually useful as such, but its easy to lose a morning flicking from article to article. Occasionally useful as a crossword reference!

I love this book and reread it periodically. Full of juicy nuggets of information and history as created by imagination.

With the transition from Cassell to Chambers has come a welcome restitution of some entries omitted from the "Millenium" edition, notably that for the mellifluous doctor. There are also numbers of new entries of both British and American provenance, making the book a welcome addition.

The most original and quirky dictionary of origins of phrases, idioms, names and words with a story behind them that is completely compulsive.

Scarcely changed since 1870. I defy anyone to read just one of its eccentric entries. Surprisingly useful, too.

My 1927 edition has timeless curiosities but also is a reminder of how language changes and how some phrases plunge into disuse. Dusty old volume that makes me sneeze.