(4) BREWER’S DICTIONARY OF PHRASE & FABLE (1870)

Another nineteenth century old school entry, indeed only a few years after Bulfinch’s Mythology and ranking with it as classic reference.

I’m somewhat disappointed that the Brewer of the title is not a reference to brewers of alcohol, somewhat similar to the Guiness Book of Records originating from pub arguments, but from Reverend Ebenezer Cobham Brewer.

However, like Roget’s Thesaurus, the reference book has moved on from him – including into the public domain in its 1895 edition – but continues to be published in new editions, effectively retaining Brewer as a brand name.

It contains “definitions and explanations of many famous phrases, allusions, and figures, whether historical or mythical…The ‘phrase’ part of the title refers mainly to the explanation of various idioms and proverbs, while the “fable” part might more accurately be labelled “folklore” and ranges from classical mythology to relatively recent literature”.

RATING: 4 STARS****
A-TIER (TOP TIER)