Ronald Ridout

This is a fascinating collection of hundreds of English proverbial expressions. These include sayings which go back to the very roots of language, quotations from great writers which have become proverbial, and popular phrases which are widely used and known. The compilers not only pithily define and illustrate the proverbs but also trace them back to their origins wherever possible. There are copious cross-references which show how many expressions relate to a common core of folk wisdom. A very full and useful index is also included, and there is a section of biographical details of people mentioned in the book. English-speaking people throughout the world are familiar from infancy with such phrases as 'a stitch in time saves nine' and 'first come first served', but they will find new light shed on these and on less familiar proverbs by the compilers. Those to whom English is a second or foreign language will be greatly helped by the definitions, since proverbial expressions are notoriously bewildering.

Presents pictures and definitions of familiar objects from alligator to zigzag. The reader is asked to spot the objects in the accompanying full-page illustrations.

An invaluable new edition of an established work of reference that gives the linguistic and literary facts of the English language from adverbs to zeugma. Ronald Ridout, whose text books have sold over 45 million copies, and Anthony Hern, Literary Editor of the Evening Standard, have thoroughly revised and expanded this edition, bringing it up to date with current cultural and commercial usage. Over 1,000 entries, fully cross-referenced, explained and illustrated, and ranging from the elementary to the specialised, make this an ideal reference book for student and expert alike.

A wonderful companion for those who have mastered the skill of reading, this colourfully illustrated dictionary will help young readers to understand new words, use them properly and spell them correctly. A book to browse through as well as refer to, its definitions, pictures and diagrams will give abundant information and enjoyment.