The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Quotations
by Merriam-Webster
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Book Summary Information
Author: Merriam-WebsterEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1992-01
ISBN: 0877799040
Number of pages: 512
Publisher: Merriam-Webster
Book Reviews of The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Quotations
Book Review: Outdated
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm not very keen on The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Quotations anymore. I've been using it for quite a while, but was never very thrilled with it. Now that Oxford Dictionary of Quotations by Subject (Oxford Paperback Reference) has come out, I think I am ready to retire this book.
At the time of its publication nearly two decades ago, Merriam-Webster's book wasn't so bad. It was a compact and affordable way to gain access to a general collection of quotations. I would have given it four or five stars back then. Not anymore, though.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT?
It fails to contextualize quotes. It often gives only the author's name and the source of the quotation. Usually no dates. And, no explanation about who the author is.
The quotations are outdated. As far as I can tell, nothing much past the 1950s. Of course, the old stuff is good, but there have been a lot of great quotations in the postwar period as well!
The quotations are almost entirely from dead white guys. Women and people from outside of the US and UK are hard to find.
SUMMARY
It won't hurt to pick up a cheap used copy if you come across one, but I would recommend looking elsewhere if you want something more up-to-date.
Summary of The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Quotations
More than 4,000 thought-provoking quotations from the world's most celebrated authors, politicians, philosophers, media personalities, and others--offering both contemporary reflections and traditonal gems--are found in this convenient reference. Considers hundreds of subjects, including today's most compelling topics, such as parenting and the environment. Author indexed.Quotations Books
Book Subjects
- Arts & Photography
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Business & Investing
- Children's Books
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Internet
- Cooking, Food & Wine
- Entertainment
- Gay & Lesbian
- Health, Mind & Body
- History
- Home & Garden
- Horror
- Law
- Literature & Fiction
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Nonfiction
- Outdoors & Nature
- Parenting & Families
- Professional & Technical
- Reference
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romance
- Science
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports
- Teens
- Travel
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